The sun has been revered & celebrated since ancient civilisations for its ability to give life & energy. Some cultures, including ancient Egyptians, Romans & Native Americans, even worshipped the sun as a deity. For as long as they have celebrated the sun, however, humans have also respected & protected themselves from it.

The cultural craze for tanning is largely attributed to Coco Channel, who in 1923 fell asleep while on a Mediterranean cruise & set a new beauty trend when she disembarked sunburnt in Cannes. So, while the first report that sunburn in human skin is caused by UV radiation, specifically wavelengths in the UVB range (280–315 nm) was made in 1922 by Germans Karl Hausser & Wilhelm Vahle, people did not take the threat seriously preferring the “wealthy & healthy” look a tan would afford them.

More information: https://www.enteknomaterials.com/the-history-future-of-sunscreens.html