Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Why I Don’t Tan (For Faux or For Real)

It’s that time of year again when everyone inevitably starts talking about tanning, whether it comes from a bottle or directly from the sun itself. It’s also the time when some people feel the need to state that this here porcelain-skinned blogger needs to “get some color.” 

My response? I don’t do tans, nor will I ever. First and foremost, I have no desire to risk getting skin cancer, something I’ve seen people of all ages fight, just for the sake of obtaining a fleeting glow. Second, I have no interest in any bottled bronzer on the market, because the honest truth is, I don’t mind being pale. It’s just who I am, how I have always looked, and not something I feel the need to justify to anyone else.

It saddens me to hear fellow smart, talented, beautiful women saying things like, “Please excuse the circles under my eyes,” or “I'm so pale in that picture,” as if we need to apologize for the way we look or preempt others' negative judgment. This especially strikes a chord with me because I've done it, too, putting myself down verbally or in writing, allowing others’ opinions to make me feel insecure. And the one time I did break down and try one of those “facial glow” creams? Along with it causing my skin to freak out, I also thought I looked completely ridiculous.


Tan-free two years ago in Hawaii. 

The way I see it, some people have blue eyes, and some people have brown hair. I have both, plus pale, porcelain skin, just like my sister, grandmother and other Irish relatives before us. I wear makeup because I want to and put care into my appearance because I take pride in looking and feeling my best on my own terms. If someone else loves the way she looks with a faux tan and wants to rock one every summer, that’s awesome. But my fair skin isn’t something I desire to "enhance" or change just because some people might think there’s no place for paleness at the pool.

So when you see me this summer, drenched in sunscreen and wearing a rash guard over my swimsuit for extra sun protection, please don’t ask me why I’m not getting a tan. And if you see me nursing a sunburn that came out even though I slathered myself with the above-mentioned sunblock, please know that this certainly wasn’t intentional or a result of my trying to bring on a golden glow. Also know that I will keep continually trying to be better about protecting my skin and preventing skin cancer. Because while I can certainly live without a tan, getting one the old-fashioned way just might stop me from living at all. 

P.S. I'll be taking a couple weeks off to enjoy the 4th of July holiday and some summer fun. Have a great time celebrating, and I'll see you all again soon! 

16 comments:

  1. Have a fabulous 4th!!

    Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

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  2. i don't think i've ever asked anyone why they don't have a tan, especially if they have very light skin. being sunburned is the worst!! and i hate my dark circles. hate. they age me and make me look tired. ok, i am tired! hehe

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    1. Thanks for your comment, Elle! I've been away on vacation and am just now getting caught up. I agree that being sunburned is the worst feeling!

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  3. Your commitment to protecting yourself from the sun is actually what got me to step up my sunscreen game. Which is why I managed that whole trip to Hawaii with less than 10 square inches of sunburn!

    PS Wish we were going to be in Hawaii again this weekend.
    PPS I'm not the only person who looks like she's taken a dust bath in cocoa powder when she wears bronzer, right?

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    1. Thanks, Ellen! I wish we could have gone to Hawaii again this month, too. :)

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  4. I have dark skin (Cullen has it too) and we get so dark in the sun, right through 50 SPF sunscreen and people always comment on my tan.. even in the winter, I have very olive skin, it is just my coloring. I have never 'tried' for it. I think it is wonderful that you are comfortable in your GORGEOUS skin and even more kudos for sharing your thoughts on it because there is such an emphasis on getting that tan. Hope yall are having a wonderful summer!

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    1. Thanks, Kate! We just got back from an awesome vacation and are definitely enjoying our summer. I hope you are all doing well, too!

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  5. I have fair skin and I kind of love it. I have nor have I ever had any desire to tan. I am a little to vain to spend hours in the sun without lots of sunblock. I do not want sunspots, leathery skin, or premature wrinkles.

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    1. Hooray for fair skin! I totally love it, too, and also don't want sunspots, wrinkles, etc.

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  6. Cheers to being pale! I've never gone to a tanning booth or ever gotten a spray tan- when I do tan- it lasts for like 2 weeks- but I still always lather on the sunscreen! Hope you are having a fabulous, relaxing, pale, July!

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    1. Thanks, Laura! I just got back from my vacation and am definitely having a fabulous, pale July! :)

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  7. Woohoo for all skin shades! As a fellow fair skinned lady, i'm with you. I have gotten a little yellower over the years, but I just don't tan. We should be happy with our skin color right?
    I hope you are having a good break dear!

    xoxo,
    little luxury list formerly Chic 'n Cheap Living

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