Being so Pale is annoying

I am really pale, I am a bloke and I dread going out during the day in case people see how pale i am, sometimes i have blotchy skin too so I really wonder if people are staring at me.
I don't see the sun much and I know I should and im too nervous to go to a tanning shop.
anyone know any pills or vitamin supplements you can take to make your skin look a bit darker?
any help would be appreciated, its really denting my self confidence.

[Sandi]

Hey. As far as I know, you can get tanning pills in the Tony Quinn shops around the place. There's one on the ground floor in Stephen's Green S.C., one in Jervis and there's one down a lane in Rathmines across from Music City/Centra. Don't know how expensive they are but I hope that helps.

[Gordon]

Nothing wrong with being pale, I find it quite attractive in a female actually. It seems such a shame to take pills to change your appearance like Michael Jackson. I recommend working on your shyness if anything.

[Mutz]

Go on into Chartbusters and Get Some Tanning Sessions.

I Used to work there and never gave a second thought about the People getting them (Male and Female Equally). I Even did a session of about 100 Minutes myself before I went away 2 Years ago and I Didn't Burn over there as a Result

All you Need to do is set up an Account, ID and Proof of Adddress Required (As with all Vid Shops).

Plus Besides, No-one Would Notice how pale you are because after all... We do Live in Ireland .. Hehe

[lordsippa]

Nothing wrong with being pale skinned. I was in california for 2 months and i came back looking alive but definitely NOT tanned. ;p

If you're into computers it's a social bonus, but if you want to avoid being labeled as a nerd / goth then dress normally and avoid wearing lots of black.

Anyway, I've known loads of guys who look paler than a heroin addict in a dungeon and nobody pays any notice. So don't worry.

[leeroybrown]

Theres absolutely nothing wrong with being pale.

I wouldn't really recommend spending too much time under a sunbed.

As for the blotchiness, its probably a mild case of some skin condition (Eczema, Psoriasis, etc ) . You could ask your doctor about the blotchiness. The blotchiness might even go away soon.

[Blade]

Have you always been pale? You could be anaemic in which case you'll need iron. If your very low on iron you risk a heart attack so don't ignore it.

[Kolodny]

Being pale bothered me more when I was a kid. Now I kind of like it. Have you ever heard of anyone being called 'tanned and interesting'?

[Winters]

Use some oil before you go out. That makes you look tanned.

[mike65]

Be pale and be happy you proberly won't die from skincancer in your 50s'/60s'. Also on your skin condition
a visit to a chemist and a chat with a member of staff won't cost you anything but might steer you in the right direction.

Mike.

[SantaHoe]

I can get freakisly pale when I've been out of the sun for a few months, but I tan fairly easily and pretty deeply.
I used to have people in school call me a "Ni**er", I was so tanned... then during the winter I look like I fell out of the back of a herse!
To match my ghostly white skin, I've got black circles, so I look almost like a junkie... which isn't a lot of fun when you have to pass through customs
I put the time in this summer though, so I look a lot more like a living person.

I don't see the sun much and I know I should and im too nervous to go to a tanning shop.

How come you don't see the sun much? is it out of choice? or due to work or something?... just grab the next sunny day and sit out in it... there's sure to be some sunny days left in September, set the alarm clock and set aside some time.
Why be nervous about going to a tanning shop though?
Anyone that's in there will be a tanning fanatic anyway, I doubt they'd think you strange for doing what they do all the time.
Maybe you could ask someone to come with you for moral support, it's always less scarey doing new things when you've got someone with you.

Anyway, this is Ireland, everyone is pale

[STaN]

pale skin is attractive. Tan isnt everything. Completely white is another thing and can easily be changed by just lying out your back in the sun for an hour or so regularly. If its just your face, get out when its sunny and do whatever.

'Hey my freind had a bad case of sum skin thingy called Eczema or sumthing on his back and neck he started doing sun beds in chartbusters an like the guy up was saying THEY REALLY DONT CARE MALE OR FEMALE In Chartbusters. I mean we are in the age were men use hair straightners openly if you walk into a pharmacy youll find as much beauty products for men as you would for women gels,sprays,tinted moisturizers etc. Anyway he kept at them 2 a week up until now and his skin is fine the eczema may not have gone away (im not sure im no doctor) but shirtless you'd never no he had it.Also people to often associate SUN BEDS With SKIN CANCER Yes thats a risk but 2/3 a week is no harm and in sum cases sun beds can be good for you ! (My sisters a beautician) Incase you were getting freacked out. . .'

[Sleepy]

Better pale than orange OP.

[How Strange]

OP, I am very pale. In fact I sometimes I can hear people shriek 'oh bright light, my eyes, my eyes' when I wear a skirt. There is no doubt that it is a pain in the arse in the summer especially when you are away.

I use false tan sometimes at home but couldn't be bothered when I am away. I've had people stop and stare at me in hot countries but I've got used to it now. But I've also had people come up to me on holidays and be amazed at my 'beautiful' skin! So it takes all sorts.

I realised a few years ago that no amount of sunbathing was going to make me looked tanned so I now avoid sitting in the sun and therefore avoid the pain of sun burn. I also like to think that I won't look like a wrinkled up old leather handbag when I'm 50/60.

Re your blotchy skin; if it is really bad go to a dermatologist. Being pale means you are more likely to have very dry skin and other skin related problems. I use Eurecyin (sp), all good chemists stock it and I find it brilliant for stopping my skin drying out and getting blotchy.

DONT GO ON SUNBEDS. Would you stick your head in the oven when its switched on? Then why fry your skin on those things.

Nemo O N'eil.. Also people to often associate SUN BEDS With SKIN CANCER Yes thats a risk but 2/3 a week is no harm and in sum cases sun beds can be good for you ! (My sisters a beautician) Incase you were getting freacked out. . .'

This is complete BS. In very rare cases of ezcema, a doctor might recommend that you take a sun bed session but its highly unusual. SUNBEDS = CANCER. No tan is worth that. Irish people are so obsessed with tans that they will consciously risk their longterm health for a colour.

You are pale, accept it. Buy clothes in colours that suit you and stay away from white and black. You'd be amazed how choosing the right colours can give a healthy glow.