Why is it Called a Tan? A Personal Reflection on the History and Risks of Tanning

Hey friend! Have you ever wondered why that golden-brownish skin tone is called a "tan"? As a 90s kid who grew up assuming a dark tan was the ultimate summer goal, I was curious about the origins myself.

In this post, let‘s venture back in time to explore how "tan" became the word for bronzed skin. We‘ll also discuss why tanning has persisted as a beauty ideal despite its health hazards. I aim to provide some food for thought from my perspective as an amateur tanning historian.

The Age-Old Process Behind the Term "Tan"

Long before tanning beds and spray tans, the word “tan” had nothing to do with basking in the sun. In Old English, tannian referred to the process of converting animal hides into leather using the tannins found in oak bark and other plant materials.

This tanning process gave the treated hides a light brownish color similar to tea. By the early 1000s, "tan" became the go-to term for anything having that oak-tanned leather shade.

Over a century later, “to tan” emerged as a verb meaning to treat animal hides for leathermaking. Then around 1590, the first known use of “tan” to specifically describe sun-bronzed skin appeared in writing.

So our modern use of the word stems from tanning’s origins as an ages-old, primitive process that produced brown leather. Let‘s delve deeper into how suntanned skin became desirable after being associated with manual laborers for so long.

When Did Tanned Skin Become Trendy?

During the late 1800s, the upper classes tended to prize pale skin as a sign they were wealthy enough to avoid having to work outdoors under the sun. But everything changed in the early 20th century.

In those days before sunscreen, doctors began recommending that people spend measured time under the sun to get vitamin D and treat mood disorders like seasonal affective disorder. Public health campaigns promoted sunbathing’s benefits for warding off malnutrition and diseases like rickets.

Magazines and advertisements also started touting sunshine’s healthy effects on the body and mind. I was quite surprised to learn that as recent as the 1970s, many doctors still encouraged their patients to get moderate sun exposure!

Tanned skin became associated with good health, leisure, and privilege. With transatlantic travel on the rise, sporting events like tennis and golf surging in popularity, and swimsuit fashions allowing more skin to soak up the sun‘s rays, suntanning took off as a glamorous ideal across North America and Europe.

Let’s explore some of the key societal shifts that boosted tanning’s appeal:

• The Roaring Twenties: In 1923, French designer Coco Chanel accidentally got sunburnt on a yacht. She helped spur on the trend of sunbathing among high society ladies.

• The 1940s and 50s: Doctors recommend sunbathing to help prevent juvenile rickets and tuberculosis, even writing prescriptions for sun exposure!

• The 1960s and 70s: Skimpy new swimsuit fashions remove the stigma around lounging out in the sun and getting super bronzed.

• The 1980s: Tanning beds gain recognition as a "safe" way to tan indoors. Sunless tanning lotions also emerge as worry grows over skin cancer risk.

It’s no wonder that my fellow 90s kids, millennials, and I grew up thinking laying out under the sun all day was a healthy ritual! Tanning has sure gone through some major perception shifts over the past century.

Why Does Tanning Persist Despite Skin Cancer Risks?

Nowadays, doctors advise against excessive sun exposure due to its proven role in skin cancer – including the deadliest form, melanoma. Melanoma accounts for only 1% of skin cancer cases but the vast majority of skin cancer deaths, with almost 10,000 people in the US dying from it annually.

Since the early 1990s, melanoma incidence rates in the States have jumped 225% – faster than any other cancer. Yet so many still view tanning as beautiful and associate bronzed skin with health. Why is that?

Tanning Can Provide Short-Term Mood Boosts

Ultraviolet rays in sunlight interact with the skin to produce natural endorphins that act like opioids to relieve pain and induce euphoric feelings. One study found UV exposure activates the same endocannabinoid pathways triggered by cannabis consumption. No wonder lounging at the beach feels so nice!

However, frequent tanning seems to cause endorphin levels to eventually decline. One study found frequent tanners had fewer natural opioids in their blood than people who don‘t tan frequently.

Tans Can Hide Imperfections

The pigment melanin that causes tanning can help camouflage issues like acne scars, visible veins, cellulite dimples, and uneven skin tone. No airbrushing required! The uniform bronzing provides a smoothing effect that many find cosmetically pleasing.

Tanning Can Create the Illusion of a Leaner Figure

That sun-kissed tan makes muscles appear more defined. A 2015 study found the darker contrast of a tan can make both men and women appear leaner. The slimming effect provides visual motivation to keep hitting the beach or tanning salon.

So in summary, tanning persists in part because of its short-term mood boosts, its ability to hide imperfections, and its impact on how slender the body appears. But at what cost?

Safer Ways to Achieve That Bronzed Glow

As a child of the 90s, I have many fond memories of lathering up with SPF 4 and roasting away the afternoon at the beach with my friends. We‘d proudly compare our tan lines while relishing the sun‘s warmth.

But now I choose to practice safe sun exposure rather than try to get that prized super-dark tan. Here are some healthier ways I like to get a subtle glow:

• Using self-tanning creams and sprays – My favorites offer believable, streak-free color without sun exposure. I exfoliate first for smooth application.

• Applying sunless tanning lotions a few times per week – They provide just enough color while hydrating my skin.

• Seeking shade and wearing wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking clothes, and sunglasses outdoors – I still enjoy being outside but limit direct sun time.

• Eating carotenoid-rich fruits and veggies – Produce like carrots, sweet potatoes, and cantaloupe naturally enhances my skin tone.

• Using bronzing powders and moisturizers – For special occasions, shimmery bronzers give me a quick glow without damage.

We truly don‘t need prolonged sun exposure to get that healthy-looking tan. It just takes finding safer alternatives without the long-term consequences. Feel free to share your favorite sun-free bronzing tips with me!