Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Conversation
The Conversation
Lauren Alex O'Hagan, Research Fellow, School of Languages and Applied Linguistics, The Open University

From sun safety to sex appeal: what sunscreen ads reveal about beauty ideals and power

Tanned, smooth skin has become an aspirational ideal verona studio/Shutterstock

In the depths of winter, sunscreen might not be top of many people’s shopping lists. Yet it remains a staple in most households, and many of us are encouraged to use it year-round. But sunscreen’s history reveals more than just protection from the sun.

For decades, sunscreen advertising has shaped beauty ideals, dictated how women’s bodies should look and reinforced social norms.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.