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Johnson & Johnson tan-fast suntan oil in New plastic bottle

Maker Johnson & Johnson (American, founded 1886)

Date1971

Object number00046955

NameSuntan oil

MediumPlastic, oil

DimensionsOverall: 133 x 65 x 23 mm, 99.7 g

ClassificationsToys, games and souvenirs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Lynette Langtry

Terms

DescriptionDuring the 1970s a new body aesthetic and culture emerged. Fashion dictated that men's and women's bodies had to be tanned, machine-tuned and perfectly sculpted with the aid of gym workouts, aerobics and body building. Sun tan lotions were agressively marketed at a time when a tan was considered to be healthy. Since then awarness of the risks of skin cancer has increased through educational campains organised by the Cancer Council of Australia.HistorySun tanning involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, for the purpose of darkening skin color, either during sun bathing or using artificial sources, such as tanning beds. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays has detrimental health effects, including possible burn and even skin cancer. In the nineteenth century and early 20th century fair skin was considered the desirable fashion. Coco Chanel popularised a new look in the 1920s after getting sunburnt while visiting the French Riveriera. Her tanned skin was regarded as a fresh health look and was widely imitated. Women's magazines encouraged tanning and promoted sun tanning oils and lotions. Since the 1990s there has been greater understanding of the damaging effects of prolonged exposure to the sun and anc increasing emaphsis on sun protection through covering up and using sun screen lotions and creams. SignificanceThis bottle of suntan oil is representative of tanning products manufactured and sold in Australia in the early 1970s.