Bad Moles....

Yeah I probably should.  Yay.  Another doctor's visit.  I went to a "doctor" over 40 times last year for various reasons.  I hate doctors.  I hate my back.  I hate the moles.  bleh... ok bad day, sorry.

I dunno that it's worth the risk.  I stopped trying to tan 16 years ago.  I don't want skin cancer or leathery, old skin.  I don't mind being close to 40, but I don't want to look like it! 
 
Nothing in life is without risk.  I guess you have to pick & choose the ones that matter.

I think it's about screwy perceptions.  We *think* that tans look healthier than pale skin, but it's so untrue.  I too was an avid tanner when I was younger and now I see the toll it's taken.  That doesn't include any pre-cancerous lesions either but that'd sure make me lather up even more with sunscreen.  I've known 2 people who died of melanoma, and one was only in his 20s.  Nothing wrong with getting some sun, but if you're going to spend lots of time out in it, better to use a sunscreen all the time.  You'll still get a tan anyway, just not that super dark tan.  I use self-tanners starting in spring on a daily basis.  I just put it on after my shower and I mix 1/2 self-tanner to 1/2 lotion and slather it everywhere.  It's more gradual, but I never have streaking and it's very natural looking.

Amy, I would just follow your dermatologist's advice.  Having seen a friend die from melanoma about twenty years ago, I can tell you that a tan ain't worth it.