Before modern sunscreen and dermatology advancements, people went to extreme lengths to achieve the perfect tan. Some of these sunbathing methods were not only ineffective but also incredibly dangerous, exposing skin to severe burns, long-term damage, and even increased cancer risks. Many believed that the deeper the tan, the healthier they looked, completely unaware of the harm they were inflicting on their skin. From slathering on cooking oils to sunbathing with reflective blankets, these outdated tanning trends would horrify modern dermatologists. Here are 11 outrageous ways people used to sunbathe before we knew better.
1. Reflective Foil Sunbathing – A Recipe for Disaster
In the 1960s and ’70s, sunbathers often used aluminum foil reflectors to direct extra sunlight onto their faces. Homemade versions were easy to make—just a piece of cardboard covered in foil, held under the chin to bounce additional UV rays onto the skin. The goal was to speed up tanning, but in reality, this practice significantly increased the risk of severe burns and long-term skin damage. As highlighted by Johns Hopkins Medicine, reflective surfaces can intensify UV rays, increasing the risk of skin damage.
Some people even went further, lying on reflective blankets or positioning themselves near mirrors to maximize sun exposure. This method was the equivalent of placing yourself in a solar oven, amplifying radiation, and boosting the likelihood of sunspots, wrinkles, and even melanoma. Today, people are encouraged to use broad-spectrum sunscreen and seek shade rather than amplify the sun’s harmful effects.
2. Baby Oil and Iodine – The Ultimate Skin Scorcher
One of the most popular DIY tanning methods of the mid-20th century involved mixing baby oil with iodine to create a homemade tanning solution. The baby oil worked as a sun magnifier, intensifying UV rays, while the iodine gave the illusion of a sun-kissed glow by staining the skin. This method didn’t provide any protection from the sun’s harmful effects, making users highly susceptible to sunburns, premature aging, and long-term skin damage.
As noted in Clearderm Clinic, this practice significantly increased the risk of skin cancer. Despite its dangers, this method remained popular for decades, with people continuing to slather themselves in the mixture to achieve a fast, deep tan. Today, dermatologists warn that baby oil enhances the sun’s harmful effects rather than shielding against them. Using it in place of sunscreen is like cooking your skin under direct heat. If there was ever a guaranteed way to develop sunburn, this was it.
3. Tanning with Motor Oil – Because Baby Oil Wasn’t Dangerous Enough
Some tanning fanatics took oiling up to a new extreme by using motor oil instead of traditional tanning lotions. They believed that the thick, slick consistency would absorb heat more effectively and create a darker tan faster. What they didn’t consider was that motor oil contains harmful chemicals that can clog pores, irritate the skin, and even cause toxic reactions when exposed to sunlight. According to the CDC Yellow Book 2024, unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause damage to the skin. On top of that, motor oil offered absolutely no UV protection, making users more prone to sunburn and extreme skin damage.
Thankfully, this bizarre trend eventually faded as people realized they were essentially slow-cooking themselves under the sun. Today, self-tanners and bronzing lotions offer a much safer way to achieve a sun-kissed glow without the risk of chemical exposure.
4. Noontime Sunbathing – Peak Hours, Peak Damage
Modern sun safety guidelines advise avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest. However, past sunbathing trends encouraged people to do the exact opposite, believing that tanning during peak hours would lead to faster, more intense results. The idea was that a shorter time in the sun during midday would provide a deep tan while minimizing the overall exposure duration.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate and cause damage. In reality, sunbathing during these hours drastically increases the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Today, experts recommend applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during these high-risk hours.
5. Using Cooking Oils as DIY Tanning Lotions
Before tanning oils with SPF became widely available, many sunbathers turned to kitchen staples like coconut oil, olive oil, and even vegetable oil to enhance their tans. These oils created a glossy sheen that attracted more sunlight, intensifying UV exposure. However, they provided absolutely no sun protection, leaving skin vulnerable to extreme burns.
The idea that natural oils could “nourish” the skin while tanning was a misconception, as prolonged exposure with no SPF led to premature wrinkles, sunspots, and serious health risks. While coconut oil is still popular today for moisturizing, dermatologists strongly discourage its use for sunbathing. SPF-rated sunscreens are now the standard for safe sun exposure, and using cooking oil as a tanning aid is considered a reckless beauty mistake of the past.
6. Tanning Pills – Fake Tan, Real Health Risks
In the 1970s, tanning pills hit the market, claiming to give people a sun-kissed glow without the need for sun exposure. These pills contained canthaxanthin, a color additive that tinted the skin from the inside out. While they did give users an orange-hued tan, they also came with alarming side effects, including liver damage and canthaxanthin retinopathy—a condition where yellowish crystals form in the retina, affecting vision.
Despite their risks, tanning pills remained popular for years, offering a quick-fix alternative to traditional tanning. Eventually, they were banned or heavily restricted in most countries due to their dangerous health effects. Today, self-tanners and bronzing sprays offer a much safer way to achieve a tan without the risk of organ damage.
7. Sunbathing with Reflective Blankets – The Human Solar Panel Method
Taking inspiration from foil reflectors, some sunbathers went even further by lying on reflective Mylar blankets to intensify UV rays. The idea was to expose every inch of the body to the sun from multiple angles, accelerating tanning results. What they didn’t realize was that these reflective surfaces significantly increased the risk of overheating, dehydration, and serious sunburns.
The extreme heat generated by these blankets made sunbathers more prone to heatstroke, while their amplified exposure put them at high risk for long-term skin damage. Thankfully, modern self-tanning products have replaced the need for such risky tanning hacks, and dermatologists now emphasize sun protection over reckless exposure.
8. Applying Beer to the Skin – A Drink Best Left in the Glass
Some sunbathers believed that rubbing beer onto their skin before sunbathing would create a warm, golden tan. The idea was that the sugars and yeast in beer would enhance the tanning process. While this might have temporarily deepened the skin’s hue, it also left people more susceptible to sunburn and irritation.
Not only did beer provide no UV protection, but it also made the skin sticky and attracted insects, making sunbathing a not-so-pleasant experience. Today, people know better than to waste a cold beer on their skin when there are plenty of effective and safe self-tanners on the market.
9. Sunbathing After Applying Perfume – The Unintentional Burn
Some people unknowingly worsen their sunburn risk by applying perfume before sunbathing. Certain fragrances contain ingredients that make the skin more photosensitive, leading to exaggerated burns, irritation, and pigmentation issues like baroque dermatitis.
What seemed like an innocent beauty habit left many with uneven skin tone and painful burns. Today, dermatologists warn against using perfumes or colognes before sun exposure and recommend fragrance-free skincare products when spending time outdoors.
10. Ignoring Protective Clothing – The “Even Tan” Obsession
Many past sunbathing trends encouraged tanning without hats, sunglasses, or any protective clothing to achieve an “even” tan. This practice left areas like the scalp, shoulders, and eyes unprotected, increasing the risk of sunburn, cataracts, and premature aging.
Now, wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and protective clothing are considered essentials for safe sun exposure. Experts now emphasize that an even tan isn’t worth the long-term health risks associated with excessive sun exposure.
11. Marathon Sunbathing Sessions – Hours of Damage
Some sunbathers believed that spending all day in the sun without breaks would give them the darkest tan possible. However, prolonged sun exposure without shade or hydration led to heat exhaustion, dehydration, and severe burns.
Today, dermatologists stress the importance of taking breaks, staying hydrated, and using high-SPF sunscreen to minimize sun damage. A healthy glow should never come at the cost of long-term skin health.
Looking back at these outrageous sunbathing methods, it’s clear that people once took extreme risks in the name of achieving the perfect tan. From slathering on motor oil to using reflective blankets, these practices prioritized short-term beauty over long-term health. With today’s understanding of UV radiation and skin cancer risks, sun safety has become a top priority, and modern sunscreens, self-tanners, and protective measures have replaced these dangerous trends. While nostalgia might make some of these methods seem amusing, the reality is that they cause significant skin damage and health complications. Thankfully, we now have safer ways to enjoy the sun without putting our skin at risk.
