What ever happened to the "healthy" tan?
At one time, sun-darkened skin was synonymous with attractiveness and good health. Women and men alike went to great lengths to feel the burn-literally. The well-off went regularly to tanning beds, while the less proletariat had to settle for simply lying outdoors on recliners, slathered in a good coating of baby oil.
Today, doctors-and many consumers-cringe at such an image. And it’s no wonder. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one million new cases of skin cancer occur each year, resulting in more than 10,000 deaths.
On the flip side of the coin, there’s vanity. Certain UV rays have been directly linked to premature aging of the skin, including wrinkles, roughness and loss of elasticity.
These combined factors have individuals reaching for the sunscreen, and more and more purchase sunscreen-containing products for daily use.
When it comes to UV protection, visions of white noses and coconut-scented lotions come to mind. That’s all well and good for a day at the beach, according to industry experts.