Retro Ad of the Week: Bonne Bell Suntan Lotion, 1968

This week has been a hot one, and if you’ve spent any time outside, you’ve (hopefully) applied some sunscreen. This 1968 ad for Bonne Bell seems to recommend enjoying the sun in a health-conscious way, however, like most other skin care advertising of its time, it’s simply emphasizing the importance of healthy-looking skin. Still, it’s intriguing to see a spot from the late 1960’s recognizing any of the dangers of too much exposure, as actual FDA regulations for the proper labeling of sunscreens did not go into effect for another 10 years.

FUN FACT: While several chemists are credited for the invention of sunscreen, it is believed the product was first developed in 1936 by L’Oreal founder Eugene Schueller. It wasn’t until 26 years later that Franz Greiter (who released his own sunscreen just 2 years after Schueller) invented the sun protection factor, or, SPF. (Source: About)

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