Question:
Does taking iron or any other vitamins affect tanning?

   — [Anonymous] (posted on February 21, 2002)

February 21, 2002
I don't if there is an effect or not, but why are you tanning? There is NO such thing as a safe tan, not matter what the tanning salons tell you. If you really want to have the 'tan' look, try the tanning lotions. Some of them are very good. That old 'orangey' look is gone.
   — garw

February 21, 2002
There are some vitamins/minerals/medications that can make you more sensitive to UV rays. Check labels to see if there is a sensitivity to sunlight warning. I think if you want a tan, go for it. I don't tan well and have only really tried to get a tan once in my life and it was so I wouldn't look like Casper in my wedding gown. It did, however, make me feel really good about myself. I never went back to the tanner after my wedding day a year and a half ago. I am planning on starting again in a few weeks, though, to get a base tan for a planned trip to Florida in May. I probably won't tan at all after that until my next vacation. If I don't get a base tan, I will burn, no matter if I use sunscreen or not. And I am not going to stay indoors or hide under an umbrella on my vacation. I figure I'm an adult, I know the risks of tanning and I can make my own decisions and suffer whatever consequences may come my way. I say if you want a tan, go get one. Happy Tanning! (Sorry if this is a repeater......I had a hand spasm and don't know if I sent it the first time or what, it just kind of disappeared! :) )
   — Jenper

February 21, 2002
Why would you want to go through all the pain and hassle of WLS, only to make your skin look like shoe leather with a tan? How silly! Use a self-tan lotion if you absolutely must have a "tan". I've also noticed that people who swear by tanning often don't realize how aged they look. Melanoma (skin cancer) is the fastest-growing cancer in the U.S. Didn't you get WLS to IMPROVE your health?
   — Angie M.

February 23, 2002
I am 2 1/2 years post-op and take a multi vitiam with minerals and 18mg of iron daily. I tan just fine outside and in a tanning bed. Put on that new bathing suit and enjoy.
   — Cheryl H.