Sunbeds for acne?

LegacyUser

Regular poster going unreg here.

I've suffered with oily skin and acne for years now, and my cosmetic collection is shocking (I'm a guy). I've gotten it under control somewhat, but it's still getting to the point where I'm just sick and tired of it, it's bloody hassle.

I know that in the summer, if I get plenty of sun, my spots clear up and my skin looks much better.

Because of this, I'm thinking about using sunbeds for during the winter. (Also, I have mild SAD, and apparently sunbeds help with this too.) I know sunbeds are said to be dangerous, but the amount of crap I use on my skin can't be all too healthy either.

Has anyone here tried sunbeds for bad skin, and does it actually work?

Also, I'm completely new to this whole sunbeds idea. How long per session should I go for (I'm NOT interested in tanning, and I'm pale as feck so I wouldn't tan anyway, I just want the skin-improvement benefits)? Do I just drop in, or do I have to make an appointment? Where's a good place to go? And how much does it usually cost?

Any replies will be muchly appreciated.

Victor

I don't think its recommended. Theres a big difference between a sunbed and getting some light and air in the summer.

Have a chat with your doctor.

cunnins4

Have you tried antibiotics? Go to your doctor to get some prescribed, i know a guy who had the worst acne ever. He was prescribed antibiotics, and in 6 months his skin was clear. Only problem is with some of them you can't drink any alcohol.

Sunbeds are a bad idea. Go to a professional and get professional advice.

CathyMoran

This is not a medical forum but I would not recomend sun beds.

Red Alert

Yes they will probably cure your condition, but they're not likely to be all that more beneficial for it than a walk in the park. Good facial hygiene, plenty of natural sunlight (be careful!) and a visit to the pharmacist and/or doctor will deal with it.

Years ago sunbeds and sunlamps used to be used a lot for this type of condition. They were misused more so than inherently dangerous. However the more modern units have more 'suitable' radiation for sun tanning and tend to burn the average person's skin less. The likes of machines in chartbusters etc are very high powered, they consume an awful lot of electricity to prove it - which gives rise to the 5 minute average visit time. In short, stay away from them!

CathyMoran

I know of too many people with skin cancer who used sunbeds in the past, some in conection with medical conditions - please try other treatments other than sunbeds, they are just too dangerous. Have cried many a night worrying if a loved one would die due to skin cancer, they are just not worth it.

Red Alert

Cathy is right on the mark.

Reading back over my post I don't think I made the point clearly - never use a sunbed to treat a condition like that. Years ago they might have made some improvement (they had more UVB/C less UVA and were weaker) but the more modern units are geared towards fast tanning. They are also incredibly dangerous. As an elec engineer, my mind boggles when I hear how much electricity one consumes - about the same as 5 bar fires. Don't go anywhere near one.

Many perceived benefits (like for SAD) are actually just the visible light and infrared heat output of the lamps; you would do better to buy yourself a colour-corrected floodlamp and infra-red heater if that's what you want it for.

Pythia

I would see a doctor about going on antibiotics or some other skin treatment rather than use a sun bed. And considering you're pale, it'd be even more dangerous to you a sunbed.

biko

Sunbeds for teh wins. A 10 min session once-twice a week should clear that right up for you. A light dose, like. Sun = natural, antibiotics = unnatural.

rediguana

I had brutal acne when I was a teen (it cleared up, no marks, when I hit 20). Sun always worked wonders on it. It was better than anything else I ever tried, actually.

Sunbeds probably aren't the answer though, especially as you say you're pale. I love having a tan and sunbathing but my rule is that if it isn't sunny, too bad. Stay away from sunbeds. I wouldn't be surprised if they get banned some day.

Join a lesiure centre. Things like saunas and steam rooms can promote good skin, generally. Also, start working out and people will begin noticing you for your body and not your face. Bit shallow, I know, but it helped me.

Pick a leisure centre too with a SOLARIUM. I think that might help.

Good luck!

Schlemm

Ya can get prescription drugs for bad acne but the side effects are pretty awful or so I hear.

Some ppl swear by alternative meds but some alternative treatments just don't work.

However I've heard of ppl with dire acne using Ayurvedic treatments, which are usually centered around simple diet and routine changes rather than hokey pokey and they have reported great results.

Sunbeds are pretty dodgy tho! Especially if your skin is already weakened from the acne itself.

I get rotten skin allergies and someone once said to me that sunbeds are good for that kinda thing but I'd never use one. I read about skin problems in that book 'Optimum Nutrition Bible' and using essential fatty acids in my diet has really helped. There's a bit on acne in that book too...basically eat healthy, fruit/veg/water etc. and try vitamin A and E and Zinc supplements.

g-punkteffekt

get on roaccutane. It cleared my bad acne up in about 2 months. Only side effects I had were chapped lips and dry skin. It's the only treatment that worked for me. The sun used to clear them up for me temporarily but roacc has stopped it forever, haven't got any acne in 6 years.

Rb

g-punkteffekt wrote:

get on roaccutane. It cleared my bad acne up in about 2 months. Only side effects I had were chapped lips and dry skin. It's the only treatment that worked for me. The sun used to clear them up for me temporarily but roacc has stopped it forever, haven't got any acne in 6 years.

I agree, roaccutane is a miracle drug. That said, its not necessary in some cases.

OP: Go talk to your GP, sunbeds are never recommended and most dermatologists are completely against them. Theres plenty of other methods of clearing acne that are safer and more healthy for you, perhaps ask your GP to recommend a dermatologist or PM me if you want the name of the one I used when I was younger.

girl25

hey i agree with the ppl teling u to go to ur gp. i had acne from age of 12 to 17. acne doesnt go away with sun or by its self its in ur blood. go to ur gp if he thinks it is acne he/ she will prob prescibe light medication if that doesnt work they ll refer u to a dermatologist. I did a few drugs before going on roacutane yes it is a great drug but it is also a final ressort.Go to gp as soon as possilble cos the longer u leave it u cud be left marked i m left marked cos gp wudnt refer me quick enough.

Thomas_S_Hunterson

rb_ie wrote:

I agree, roaccutane is a miracle drug. That said, its not necessary in some cases.

It can havenasty side effects like depression. SOme doctors will demand weekly/monthly blood tests if they put you on it. It's a drug to be approached with caution

Dave!

Talk to your GP and ask them to refer you to a dermatologist. They'll likely recommend you don't use sunbeds (mine certainly did), and they'll set you in the right direction (antibiotics probably).

girl25

sean_keevey wrote:

It can havenasty side effects like depression. SOme doctors will demand weekly/monthly blood tests if they put you on it. It's a drug to be approached with caution

yes they do demand blood tests monthly and they keep any eye on ur state of mind too any good dermotologist will look after their patient well. But as i said it is a final resort drug.

dame

Sunbeds won't help with the SAD, there are special light boxes you can get for that. Ones that emit light not stuff that'll burn you. Sunbeds are not good for acne. Like you said yourself, your spots come back when the sun goes away. It'd be the same with the sunbed - you'd end up going regularly and for longer periods of time, for negligeble and transitory benefit. (So if you're thinking the sunbed would be a cheaper easier option you're mistaken. You'd buy a fair few antibiotics for a years worth of sunbed sessions!).

There's also the cancer issue, listen to other posters there. And anyway, we've all seen plenty of late-twenties or thirty-something women with that leathery permanent tanned look with the white freckles, caused by sunbed sessions. :eek: No thank you!

Much better to go to your GP and get a referral to a Dermatologist. There's nobody better to help with any problem than the relevant professional. You might even find that you're not as depressed in the winter months anymore when you're acne is cured and you feel better about yourself.

Rb

sean_keevey wrote:

It can havenasty side effects like depression. SOme doctors will demand weekly/monthly blood tests if they put you on it. It's a drug to be approached with caution

Oh, I know. I did a 6 month course of it before, hence why I would recommend it (in extreme cases). It was years ago and my acne wasn't actually all that bad, just very persistent and the other medications I tried had a limited effect on its reduction. Depends on the person and the acne I suppose, and whether they're willing to go on anti-biotics to cure themselves of it. It can be risky, though most people only experience the smaller side effects, but any good dermatologist will outline and discuss these risks with the patient and decide whether they want to try the medication or not.

Anyway, OP go talk to your GP, don't just go taking sunbeds without medical consultation. Sunbeds are extremely bad for your skin and will cause damage if used often, and using it once will certainly not be the miracle cure for your acne that you're hoping to find. No good dermatologist will recommend using sunbeds, infact iirc a few are part of a group/action group against sunbeds.

I can give you the name of a fantastic dermatologist that I used, or you can get one off your GP. Either way, go seek medical consultation before taking things in to your own hands.

Dave!

rb_ie wrote:

Oh, I know. I did a 6 month course of it before, hence why I would recommend it (in extreme cases).

I'm on it over 2 years! Great craic! I'd also recommend it.

LegacyUser

sunbeds have helped me. i find they help dry out your skin and zap the acne. sunlight is good for you. everything in moderation. obviously don't be a dick and go on for 15 everyday...that would be stupid. I usually go on for 8 mins every 10-14 days.

abceire

there are tablets you can get, i think you have to be over a certain age to get them, which allows you time to of not grown out of it sort a speak, the side effects are not that bad,i knew 2 girls who got them, and they worked well and most times it doesnt come back after you stop taking them
side effect was just dry skin and bit of a cough sometimes

Nevyn

Go talk to your dr.