Can’t tan!

[Scared80]

Hi everyone

I am currently away on holiday in Greece, just a couple of days left before we return to the UK.

I find that one of the reasons I struggle to enjoy these kind of holidays is that I just don’t tan - I tanned when I was a little girl but since my teens I just simple get about a million freckles but no tan! I feel so self conscious when I’m away as virtually everyone is walking around with beautiful tans and I’m so pale! I know when I get back to the UK that everyone will be joking asking if I didn’t go away etc because I am still pale. I laugh the comments off but it does hurt a bit.

I do use fake tan but I’m quite clumsy so usually manage to streak it 😬. I have naturally dark hair, blue eyes and pale skin (Irish background).

Does anyone feel the same as me when they are abroad?

xx

I don’t tan. I burn very easily instead. In my 20’s I used to use a bit of fake tan (it was all the rage) but now I’m 40 I’ve learned not to give a shit! Tanning is so aging. Look at all the women in Korea/ Japan covering themselves up and using sun screen! I was bullied for being pale when I was younger and even as an adult I’ve still had the odd comment asking if I’ve ever seen the sun etc, but I honestly don’t care at all now.

It’s taken years for me to feel like this, but on Sunday I saw a lot of women who’ve clearly spent a LOT of time sunbathing and it was very obvious. I’m embracing the fact I won’t look like I’m made of leather as I get older 💪🏻

I don’t tan either. I go from blue to white and that’s about it. Even when I lived abroad as a child, I rarely went any darker in colour than a Rich Tea biscuit. I blame my red haired mum for these poor genes. Late fifties now and past caring - if people are offended by my untanned limbs then that’s their problem.

I think your way of thinking is very old fashioned. It was all about the tan in the 90s and 00s but most people have moved on from that. You would do better to embrace your skin shade, take care of it and pick the right clothes/colours.

I generally start out milky white, go a bit pink, then at home go back to white, pale blue in winter. And that's even after 3 weeks in Greece in August/September. I've made my peace with it now after decades hating it.

A natural tan is a sign of skin damage! Its your skin trying to protect itself.

I have similar colouring with freckles. I can't stand sitting in the sun and trying to 'tan'. I sometimes get a spray tan before a holiday and/or just use fake tan.

I felt like this when I was a child, then I was at the beach one day when about 12 in my swimsuit and my Uncle's french wife with a gorgeous tan commented on how beautiful my skin was, she was struck by how milky white and fair it was and so unlike what she was used to, and it gave me a full new perspective even as a child. I know I would never take a tan so I have always focused on making sure I am wearing enough sunscreen not to burn and just enjoyed the heat on my luminous white skin. Honestly the perspective shift saved me a fortune as all the other girls in my school fake tanned and I never used it.

Sounds like those gradual self tanners would be good for you- the ones that are basically moisturiser with a bit of self tan in. Use it every day and you’ll develop a gentle tan. The freckles will still show but freckles are great!

I do tan but it’s never a nice even golden glow, I’m always different colours here and there! I think the only way for a pale person to get an even tan is 1) devoting your entire holiday to lying in the sun in tiny swimwear (too boring) or 2) in a salon.

Anyway tan is skin damage!

It used to bother me when I was young but I don't care now. It would be nice to have a bit of colour but I think it looks naff when someone has leathery skin. Going abroad is often cheaper than staying in the UK so it is not a sign of wealth as it used to be.

It used to bother me, but now I embrace my reflective white skin, slap on all the factor 50, and enjoy the fact I am visibly aging slower than those of my friends who love nothing better than to bake themselves in the garden/pool/beach at every opportunity.

I do tan but very slowly and mostly as a result of playing tennis outside. I think there are several thoughts when I read your OP. Firstly is a Greek island the type of holiday you actually want to do or do you just think that’s what you should be doing ? Secondly if you want a tan try a couple of different fake ones because they’re not all equal. If I can be bothered I go for a Bondi Sands one which is idiot proof. Thirdly, find a style of holiday wear which leans into your natural skin tone. Maybe a big hat chic for Kristen Scott Thomas or cover up in a white shirt and mans Panama hat… whatever makes you feel like the best version of yourself