The Rise of Tanning - Beach and Sun Attitudes

The skin type of a person is one of the factors that contribute to the risk of developing skin cancer. In 1975, a respected dermatologist named Fitzpatrick developed a standard for individual classification according to color of the skin and how they respond to burning and tanning when exposed to sunlight.

The rise in the development of skin cancer in the last few decades is attributed to one of the major factors. There are three periods that characterized beach and sun attitudes in the 20th century

1900 to 1920

A pale tan was considered as a fashion statement and swimming in front of many people was a taboo. In the passing of time, going to the beach just to wet their feet was no longer the case, by 1920, swimming in the beach became accepted. One-piece swim suits covered the arms and thighs and hats protected their faces.

1930 to 1970

Having a tan became a symbol of wealth, health and beauty. Smaller swimsuits became the fashion trend. Two-piece swim suits for women was born in 1940. Two decades later, the bikini became a trend in many beaches and getting as much tan fills a day on the beach.

1980 to Today

While tanning remained a sign of health and beauty, people became aware of UV radiation as well as the damage of leisure/tanning habits to the skin due to the increase in incidences of skin cancer. Fashion started to change by this time : protection from UV rays became the emphasis of beach wear.

Lifestyle magazines, advertisements and the media promoting that a tan is something attractive influenced people even up to this time. In their spare time, people still bathed under the rays of the sun. Changing into sun-wise behavior was relatively quite easy. Midday hours or to early morning or late afternoon hours should not be used for leisure as well as sports activities. Find a shade and in any place possible, protective gears must be worn and sunscreen must be used.

Always keep your skin and your body healthy. Do not put into mind the present. Skin cancer will not develop at a glance. It develops slowly and may happen during old age when you are ready to retire. Do not allow skin cancer to ruin your life. Learn the correct timing to tan your skin and you will lessen the risk of damaging your skin.

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The Rise of Tanning - Beach and Sun Attitudes