Evening star., 1936-05-30

cept by the use of the microscope. Proper
tanning, however, does not mean always
that exceedingly pleasant shade of tan
or brown which those who tan best
speedily acquire. II may be something
short Of this. Thus some red-skinned
persons who never tan still can get some
OF the benefits OF sunbathing, II they 60
at it correctly. whether just for itself or
as an addenda to some sport
Every one knows some red-faced fell
low whose nose seems forever peeling
but who nevertheless surely gets great
benefit from his daily sunburning, which
1t is with him, rather than sun tanning.
**+
Sun tan, as the ladies insist on calling
1t, toughens the skin, helps clear up
small blemishes, and above all gives that
feeling of mental elation which is the
real test of benefit.
Those who do not experience this may
feel sure Of one of two things, either
that they ought not to sun bathe, or
that they are not doing it correctly.
Into which one of these catagories they
fall, no one can tell them except them
selves. Just because 1t is "the thing"
to present to the world a tanned skin
does not mean that every one will be
able, to do it. Many just think they
can, as evidenced by a very raw look
But the worst rawness comes to the
mind. If the spirits feel rather raw,
instead of boosted, feel quite sure that
sun bathing is doing you no good no
matter what fashion or the experts say.
Whatever helps the health of the blood
stream will help the mind, sooner or
later, provided it is the sort of mind
that can be helped. This feeling of
mental betterment no doubt is a reaction
impressed on the mind by the body
That is why it partakes of both the
physical and mental. That is why the
sun feels good on the human skin.
Modern bathing suits, or rather lack
of them, are in line with sciences find
ings. 1t has been proved we believe,
that the vital portion of the body to sun
bathe is the trunk. Little back, or no
back at all-that is both science and
common sense. for every one knows how
good the sun feels on the bare back.
The entrance of the beneficial rays,
via the pigmentation caused, or the en-
trance of electrical energy thereby, in
mysterious ways, is as complete on one
section of the body. and limited area,
as if it had entered through the entire
skin surface.
That is why the tanning of the legs is
not as important, except from fashion
or appearance standpoint.
All the tanning necessary may be re-
ceived by the hands, arms, back and
chest, face and neck, or even one or more
Of these. Since these are grouped to-
gether, they usually become tanned at
the same time. without thought or
trouble.
The necessary thing is to keep watch
upon the burning, when first getting
sun tanned. and to look particularly for
that good elation which ought to accom-
pany the process.
Too much exposure at one time is bad,
if it is. There is no telling Lack of the
elation Of mind and spirit spoken of
mostly denotes overriding. This will be
particularly true of city persons who
often do not get chance at real sun
shine except for the annual vacation
every year. A little sunshine, steady
applied day after day. usually is better
than great deal of exposure during the
famous two weeks. If going on such
vacation, be sure to watch for the right
sun bath reactions, and modify the pro-
cess as common sense dictates.