Do people still suntan?

[PadmeHum]

When I think back to my younger days I cringe at what we did to our bodies.

We put baby oil on our skin and lay out to literally cook .

I would never, ever intentionally go out to suntan. The dangers are just so high.

My mum, however, will get out there at the mere glimmer of sun to "get some colour".

Is a tan still a benchmark of style and beauty?

NO!

It's not a 'benchmark' but it's still in fashion, despite the dangers.

There are loads of great fake tan products, it's quite funny though that it used to be a sign of health to have a tan, now we use chemicals to pretend we have a tan cos we know it's unhealthy!

I love being tanned. I'm mousey brown and fair, but in the summer I'm a tanned, highlighted goddess.

There are more role models for those who don't tan - Katy Perry looks ace pale.

On holiday this year in Turkey I was so shocked to see young women covering their bodies in baby oil and baking all day in the sun. It's like the last 20 years of sun education hadn't happened.

I do still like to get some colour on my legs and I'll wear a bikini on holiday but my lowest factor sun cream these days is a factor 20 (and I used to be a baby oil girl in the 80's). My DC's are always covered though in either a sun suit or high factor sun cream DS2 no lower than factor 50. DS1 has still managed to get a colour on his arms and legs though.

SPF on my face all year round though these days.

I think in the states it's still a hugely popular thing to go and lie in a sunbed.

There are a few campaigns against these places but they are not getting the message across.

Melanoma is a massive problem over there...far more than it is here. Tanning salons ought to be banned. They are very dangerous.

Being in the sun is good for you to a point but it's really important to cover up if there's any chance of burning. Tanning isn't good, but burning is the MAJOR risk factor especially in children.

and you only need 10 minutes exposure to get enough vitamin D. After that it's not stored.

Listen to your body. If you feel too hot, get indoors. Don't cross the comfort line to try and get a bit browner.

I still like to look tanned and if I am on holiday, I enjoy sitting out in the sun reading a book BUT - I always wear a generous swimsuit or tankinin, Factor 15 sun cream, never for more than a couple of hours in one day and never between 12 and 2 in the midday sun.

when we were in Greece in the summer the Brits and their kids (including ours) were pretty much covered up and sitting in the shade

the Italians and the Russians were SERIOUS sunbathers in micro swimwear