In our society it's a given that suntans look attractive, and it's also understoud that they can be harmful, and downright unhealthy. So what does this mean? This means that there is a multi-million dollar a year industry that researches and manufactures UV absorbing and blocking lotions that are designed to prevent skin damage from tanning and burning. It is a prime example of the use of chemistry to improve the quality of life for many people, writes Wyn Locke.1 Our obsession with getting tanned, has boomed since the 1970s, and the outbreak of packaged tours. The "tan now" and "hurt later" philosophy has led to the sun-worshipping of everyone from the golden gods