National Tanning Day

Young woman in a tropical beach, wearing a stylish swimsuit, sun hat, and sunglasses, ready to soak up some sunshine and celebrate National Tanning Day!. — National tanning day illustration

Welcome to National Tanning Day, where we celebrate the joy of soaking up some sunshine and getting that gorgeous bronze glow. Whether you're relaxing on a tropical beach or lounging in your own backyard, this day is all about embracing the sun-kissed life. So grab your sunscreen, get your beach towel ready, and let's dive into the world of tanning!

When is Tanning Day?

It's national tanning day on the 6th April.

The History of National Tanning Day

While the origins of National Tanning Day are not entirely clear, one thing is for sure - people have been basking in the sun for centuries. Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Greeks, were known to appreciate the beauty of a golden complexion. In fact, they believed that tanned skin was a symbol of health, wealth, and social status.

Fast forward to the modern age, and tanning has become a popular pastime around the world. With the invention of tanning beds and the rise of beach culture, people have found more and more ways to achieve that sun-kissed glow without stepping foot outside. But let's not forget the natural way - basking under the warm rays of the sun is always a delightful experience.

Celebrating National Tanning Day

There are many ways to celebrate National Tanning Day. The most obvious one is, of course, finding a patch of sunlight and enjoying some quality time under its warm embrace. Whether you're at the beach, by the pool, or simply relaxing in your backyard, make sure to lather on that sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful rays. And don't forget to stay hydrated!

If you prefer to avoid the sun, you can always opt for self-tanning lotions or visit a tanning salon. These methods allow you to achieve that beautiful tan without risking sunburns or premature skin aging. Plus, you don't have to worry about sand getting everywhere!

History behind the term 'Tanning'

14th Century

Origin of the Term

The term 'tanning' first appeared in the 14th century, derived from the Old English word 'tannian' which means to convert animal hides into leather. This process was called 'tannung' in Middle English, and eventually evolved into the term we use today.

500 BC

Ancient Beginnings

Tanning can be traced back to around 500 BC when ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, discovered the process of preserving animal hides. They would treat the hides with various oils, natural tannins, and tree barks to prevent decay and make them more durable.

4000 BC

Ancient Beginnings

In ancient Egypt, people used a mixture of oils and plant extracts to protect their skin from the scorching desert sun. This practice, known as tanning, not only provided sun protection but also gave their skin a darker complexion.

17th Century

Tanneries and the Industrial Revolution

During the Industrial Revolution in the 17th century, tanning underwent a significant transformation. Tanneries became an integral part of growing urban centers, particularly in England. The demand for leather increased due to the expansion of trade and commerce, leading to the establishment of larger-scale tanneries.

500 BC

Greek Influence

The ancient Greeks admired a pale complexion as a sign of youth and beauty. However, they also recognized the tanned appearance of those who worked outdoors in agriculture and athletics. They associated tanning with a healthy and physically active lifestyle.

14th Century

Leather Guilds and Tanneries

During the 14th century, leather guilds began to emerge in Europe. These guilds were associations of craftsmen who specialized in tanning and leatherworking. They established tanneries, where the process of tanning was carried out on a larger scale using techniques like soaking hides in urine and treating them with animal fats.

18th Century

Discovery of Tannin

In the 18th century, tanning took a scientific turn with the discovery of tannin. Tannin is a natural substance found in many plants and barks, which has remarkable properties for preserving and strengthening leather. This discovery revolutionized the tanning process, making it more efficient and allowing for the production of higher quality leather.

1920s

Fashionable Tan

In the 1920s, the perception of tanned skin shifted dramatically. Coco Chanel, a French fashion designer, accidentally popularized tanning when she returned from a vacation with a sun-kissed glow. Her admirers embraced the idea of tanned skin as a symbol of wealth, leisure, and a luxurious lifestyle.

18th Century

Industrial Revolution and Modern Techniques

The advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century brought significant advancements to the tanning industry. With the introduction of steam-powered machinery, mechanized processes replaced many manual labor tasks. Innovations like the invention of the rotary cutter and the use of chemical agents, such as chromium salts, revolutionized the tanning process, making it more efficient and cost-effective.

20th Century

Tanning in Fashion and Outdoors

In the 20th century, tanning gained popularity as a fashion trend and leisure activity. Coco Chanel, a prominent fashion designer, introduced tanned skin as a symbol of high fashion, challenging traditional notions of pale skin being desired. Additionally, outdoor activities like sunbathing and sun tanning became popular, leading to the rise of tanning salons and the development of tanning products such as lotions, sprays, and tanning beds.

19th Century

Mechanization and Improved Techniques

The 19th century marked a period of mechanization and improved tanning techniques. Tanneries began using machinery and innovative methods to streamline the process. Introduction of steam-powered machinery, such as rolling drums for softening hides and hydraulic presses for removing excess water, increased productivity and reduced reliance on manual labor.

1940s

Tanning Lotions and Oils

During World War II, American soldiers stationed in the Pacific Islands discovered the benefits of coconut oil for tanning. They brought this knowledge back home, leading to the widespread popularity of tanning lotions and oils for achieving a bronzed look.

21st Century

Tanning Safety and Alternatives

In the 21st century, concerns about the potential harmful effects of UV radiation and tanning beds have led to increased awareness of tanning safety. People have become more conscious of protecting their skin from excessive sun exposure and have started embracing alternatives like self-tanning products and spray tans to achieve a bronzed appearance without the risks associated with traditional tanning methods.

20th Century

Advancements in Chemical Tanning

The 20th century brought about advancements in chemical tanning. Chromium tanning, discovered in 1901, revolutionized the industry by drastically reducing the time required for the tanning process. This method used chromium salts to create a more flexible and durable leather. Alongside chromium tanning, other chemical agents and techniques were developed to improve the quality and variety of leather produced.

1960s

Sunbeds and Tanning Salons

In the 1960s, tanning salons emerged as dedicated spaces where people could achieve a tan using sunbeds. These artificial methods of tanning gained popularity, particularly among those who didn't have access to natural sunlight year-round or wanted a quick tan without spending time outdoors.

2000s

Concerns about Skin Cancer

As scientific research linked excessive sun exposure and tanning to an increased risk of skin cancer, public awareness shifted towards the importance of protecting the skin. Health campaigns promoted the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and discouragement of prolonged exposure to UV radiation.

Present

Tanning in Modern Times

In modern times, tanning remains a crucial industry with significant cultural and economic impact. The process of tanning has become highly specialized, with different techniques and types of leather to meet diverse market demands. Tanning also plays a significant role in fashion, interior design, and various industries worldwide, showcasing the versatility and enduring relevance of this ancient practice.

Present

Balancing Health and Beauty

Today, the perception of tanning is nuanced. While some people still desire a sun-kissed complexion, there's a greater emphasis on safe and responsible tanning practices. The availability of self-tanning products, spray tans, and gradual tanning lotions offer alternatives for achieving a bronzed look without exposing the skin to harmful UV rays.

Did you know?

Did you know that the desire for a tan became popular in the 1920s when fashion designer Coco Chanel accidentally got sunburned on a yacht trip? Her photos with a tanned complexion sparked a worldwide tanning trend!