Sun Tanning :
Why such a love affair with the sun?
So you want to have a beautiful tan?
Is it just a case of lying in the
sun for hours on end, or is there a little more to it than that?
|
|
Why do some
people seemingly adapt to the warmer climate, whilst others perish the
thought of the 'currant bun'. In this article, my aim is to take a
light-hearted view of sun tanning, whilst supplying some useful tips on
safe tanning and our love affair with the sun.
It seems that you can't turn the corner without seeing the 'opening
soon' poster for a new solaria. But where did it all begin? So dramatic
has been the rise in popularity of tanning that we need to go back in
time to the early 80's.
Sun Tanning: Looking
back on the early days
Aldaniti won the Grand National, the Spice girls where just starting
school, and John Gibson had hair (that's me by the way). Commercial
solaria had a very cool response initially. Not helped by scare
mongering and the lack of knowledge and regulation within the industry,
meant that people needed to be coaxed into sun tanning. Most people had
in the late 70's a canopy style sunbed that wheeled under your bed. This
was the start of the boom, but was it about to burst? These canopy sun
beds were extremely inefficient and left the dreaded 'white lines'. They
were fitted with 100w lamps which weren't powerful enough to stimulate
the skin.
Social change meant that we no longer just had two weeks holiday in
July. Flexibility within the work force, continental style shifts, and
the deregulation of unions, ensured a boom time in winter holidays. On
their return, our 'jet setters' maintained the 'feel-good' factor of the
all over tan by using commercial solaria, and so It all began.
Early Sunbeds branded
dangerous by Dermatologists
Early commercial sun beds were branded dangerous by the Dermatologists,
who had us running for cover as soon as the sun shone. They did have a
point, even though as usual in this type of case it was over done
(excuse the pun). But if sun beds are dangerous, we must also regulate
the travel agents, who are sending fair skin people to every 'Hot spot'
on the globe. Sunbeds of course are not dangerous if used properly.
Remember, a sun bed has a timer, the sun doesn't. As long as solaria
have educated, experienced staff, the risk to the end user is virtually
eliminated.
Use of Sunbeds Today
are more popular than ever before!
In the mid 80's, approximately one person in 5000 would utilise some form of artificial tanning equipment, the figure today is nearer to one in 20. Sun beds are now so popular, that hairdressers, beauty salons, nail boutiques etc, are capitalising on their marketability. Even the anti sun bed brigade, are having a change of heart.
Try out Tanning
Reminder club - It's Free
As you jet of to sunnier climates, it is important to take certain precautions to protect yourselves from the sun. This is of paramount importance with young children, who will revel in the 'outdoor life'. Ensure that adequate sun factor cream is applied, and check to see if it is water resistant for swimming purposes. The following points are an essential guide.
1. Don't over expose in the first few days. Build up slowly This is particularly important when you are fair skinned.
2. Check the SPF -sun protection factor. A factor six allows you to spend
six times the unprotected time
3. Wear a wide brimmed hat
4. Don't tan when the sun is at it's highest point in the sky 11.00-14.00
5. Get out of the sun frequently
6. Don't drink too much alcohol (it dehydrates your system)
8. Don't be fooled by the cooling sea breeze, it often results in burning
HAPPY TANNING
|
