The notion that tanned is beautiful comes from at least the 1920's Hollywood era, later reinforced during the 1950s-1960s beach tanned movie star era. Hollywood also helped promote the notion that tanned meant healthy, as an outdoorsy lifestyle is seen as healthier than a sedentary indoor lifestyle.
My grandfather had lupus and skin cancer. I have lupus, as well. Lupus flares are triggered by exposure to the sun. My grandfather aspired to be a professional tennis player (and he definitely had the talent and played with the pros of his day), but had to give that up and played tennis at night. I spent most of my life on the beach, not knowing what lurked in my genetic heritage. Although I have been living with lupus since diagnosed in 1990, I'm a marathoner exposed to the sun a lot. But, when I'm out on a run, I wear my heavy-duty sunscreen, including in my lip balm, and wear a cap.
Whether pale or dark-complected, we all need to be aware of the dangers of sun exposure, take what precautions we can and protect our children. At the same time, we need a bit of sun exposure to trigger our natural synthesis of Vitamin D, absorption of calcium, and numerous other natural immunological and neurological functions.
However, there is such a thing as an unhealthy tan. Take George Hamilton, for example, the epitome of overly-tanned, and notice the effects of heavy sun exposure on Robert Redford, Clint Eastwood, and even female celebrities who are sporting sun damage in the form of spots and otherwise damaged skin.
Personally, I prefer my "tan in the bottle" from my daily application of self-tanning lotion. It helps diminish the obvious runner's shirt and sock lines, LOL!
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The notion that tanned is beautiful comes from at least the 1920's Hollywood era, later reinforced during the 1950s-1960s beach tanned movie star era. Hollywood also helped promote the notion that tanned meant healthy, as an outdoorsy lifestyle is seen as healthier than a sedentary indoor lifestyle.
My grandfather had lupus and skin cancer. I have lupus, as well. Lupus flares are triggered by exposure to the sun. My grandfather aspired to be a professional tennis player (and he definitely had the talent and played with the pros of his day), but had to give that up and played tennis at night. I spent most of my life on the beach, not knowing what lurked in my genetic heritage. Although I have been living with lupus since diagnosed in 1990, I'm a marathoner exposed to the sun a lot. But, when I'm out on a run, I wear my heavy-duty sunscreen, including in my lip balm, and wear a cap.
Whether pale or dark-complected, we all need to be aware of the dangers of sun exposure, take what precautions we can and protect our children. At the same time, we need a bit of sun exposure to trigger our natural synthesis of Vitamin D, absorption of calcium, and numerous other natural immunological and neurological functions.
However, there is such a thing as an unhealthy tan. Take George Hamilton, for example, the epitome of overly-tanned, and notice the effects of heavy sun exposure on Robert Redford, Clint Eastwood, and even female celebrities who are sporting sun damage in the form of spots and otherwise damaged skin.
Personally, I prefer my "tan in the bottle" from my daily application of self-tanning lotion. It helps diminish the obvious runner's shirt and sock lines, LOL!
June 12, 2009 - 6:58pmThis Comment
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