While achieving the optimum tan is an activity that is normally reserved for our stay in sunnier climes, it appears that female travellers are keen to get the sun-kissed look before they’ve even finalised their holiday arrangements. (Featured image by Whatsername?)
Research conducted by sunshine.co.uk revealed a fifth of women are so keen to avoid the pale look as they strut their stuff on beaches in their destination of choice, they spend an average of 30 minutes on the sunbed in a bid to achieve the perfect ‘base tan’ in the run up to their overseas break.
Chris Clarkson, co-founder of sunshine.co.uk, said: “Holidays shouldn’t be about getting a sun tan; they are about relaxing and spending time with family, friends or loved ones.
“There are no two ways about it – using sunbeds is a dangerous habit and it’s something that should be avoided at all costs.”
Asked about their motivations behind getting a ‘base tan’ before their dose of sun, sea and sand had even got underway, 62 per cent argued that it was because the thought of stepping off the plane looking ‘pale’ filled them with dread. 14 per cent of those questioned felt that a ‘base tan’ would help them to avoid sunburn.
For 19 per cent, a base tan was the starting point to help them build up a darker tan while on holiday.
And all this comes despite the fact that 77 per cent of the 1,927 women surveyed had admitted to being sunburnt on their last holiday abroad, with two-fifths also confessing that they were aware of the dangers associated with using sunbeds.
Chris added: “So what if you look pale on a trip abroad; I’m sure you’ll be in the same boat as many other people there on their first day or two.
“Holidaymakers should always put their health and safety before vanity.”
