Ancient Beauty Practices and Modern Implications

This chapter explores the historical skincare and sun protection practices of ancient cultures, particularly the Egyptians, and their surprising use of harmful substances for beauty. It traces the evolution of societal views on suntanning from a labor sign to a luxury, discussing the health implications of sun exposure and the role of melanin. The chapter delves into the complexities of modern sunscreen use, vitamin D synthesis, and the paradox of sun exposure risks versus benefits.