History of the Tan

1920s - French fashion designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel invents the tan as a status symbol when she appears at the fashion shows with a golden tan obtained on the French Riviera.

1946 - Home tanning lamps, like General ElectricÍs Sun Kraft model, gain popularity with health enthusiasts.

1950s - Baby oil graduates from baby bottoms to a tanning necessity for sun-worshippers everywhere.

Late 1950s - Silver metallic UV reflectors become commonplace as the latest tan enhancers.

Early 1960s - Cocoa butter, richer and more moisturizing than baby oil, becomes the tanning lotion of choice across America.

1979 - George Hamilton is the first-ever tan Dracula in the movie “Love At First Bite.”

December 1992 - California Tan¬ introduces Sizzle, the first premium tanning lotion for “serious tanners.”

1993 - Supermodel Christy Turlington admits: “I tan because I love it” in an interview with New Body magazine.

1995 - California Tan introduces CuO2™ tanning technology.

1997 - California Tan introduces Butter, melding together the decadent feel of yesterdayÍs tanning experience with todayÍs advanced skin care ingredients.

Spring 1998 - California Tan launches a national consumer advertising campaign with full-color, full-page ads featured in publications such as Cosmopolitan, Mademoiselle and Glamour.