Here Comes the Sun – A History of the Tan

Here Comes the Sun A History of the Tan

Here Comes the Sun A History of the Tan

The Earth receives almost all of its energy from the sun; therefore our relationship with this yellow coloured star is a crucial one. Aside from the energy it gives our planet, it has a huge influence in creating our seasons and changing climates. This powerful source is also enjoyed as a means of getting a sun tan but just when did this bronzing fascination develop?

In this day and age being tanned symbolises luxury, health and happiness but before the 1900's tanned skin was a sign of poverty, indicating that you worked as a servant or in the fields. Its association with manual labour meant that the wealthy wanted to look pale to the point of translucency. In Ancient Greece, lead paint was used to whiten the face and during the Renaissance women used a combination of carbonate, hydroxide and lead-oxide for a skin whitening effect. Both proved dangerous, causing muscle paralysis and death. In the 19th century zinc oxide replaced these lethal combinations. The Victorian era found ladies wearing wide brimmed hats to protect against the sun and gentleman avoided it through fear of looking like a farmer. A tan was both a fashion and stature misdemeanour.

This was all to change in 1903 with Auguste Rollier and Niels Finsen arguing the medical benefits of vitamin D. Nobel Prize winner Finsen discovered that the sun could help cure diseases such as rickets, and world-renowned physician Rollier opened a sun clinic' in the Alps, using heliotherapy to cure tuberculosis, anaemia and rheumatoid arthritis. Photographic evidence in his book Heliotherapy proved his point, but it was lost amidst the advent of penicillin.

In the roaring 20's, the French Riviera became the fashionable place to spend summers and when style icon and designer Coco Chanel returned from holiday with bronzed skin, the history of tanning began to change. Suddenly having a tan was chic and stylish, representing health, wealth and the means to take glorious holidays abroad. Leisure pursuits were focussing more on the outdoors and agriculture work was declining, meaning it was now the poor who were pale and the rich who were bronzed. How radically trends can change.

Sun tan lotion became more popular in the 40's, a surfing lifestyle was hip from the 60's, and by the 70's sun worshipping was de rigueur. Today, the tan is still a much loved fashion, however the risks of skin cancer in the last twenty years have become prevalent and the idea of 'safe tanning' is advocated. The opposing argument is that lack of sun can lead to Vitamin D deficiencies, bad bones and seasonal effective disorder, plus sunshine has been known to help with other types of cancer.

Sunshine feels good against our skin, making us feel happier. So whilst basking under beautiful rays, whether on holidays to Thailand or enjoying it in your back garden, the key to safe tanning is finding that middle ground. Wear a high factor sun cream, adopt common sense and keep a shirt and hat on in the midday heat. Without the sun there would be no life on earth, so soak up some Vitamin D and celebrate this special star.

Isla Campbell writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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