Chinese start to look for darker complexions
Most Chinese, particularly woman, will go to great efforts to achieve a light complexion. Skin whiteners are used daily and people wear sun block, clothes with long sleeves and use umbrellas to keep the sun off them. But according to a report in The Wall Street Journal Asia young urban Chinese are increasingly looking to get a tan, inspired by the likes of Hong Kong actor Louis Koo who sports a year-round tan.
Most Chinese, particularly woman, will go to great efforts to achieve a light complexion. Skin whiteners are used daily and people wear sun block, clothes with long sleeves and use umbrellas to keep the sun off them. But according to a report in The Wall Street Journal Asia young urban Chinese are increasingly looking to get a tan, inspired by the likes of Hong Kong actor Louis Koo who sports a year-round tan.
For centuries, tanned skin has for many indicated working on the land but today it can also indicate having the means to take a beach holiday.
Actual tanning lotions are rare in China but Tanning Research Labs' Hawaiian Tropic launched its tanning lotions in China this month.
Tanning salons are also starting to appear in China's big cities. M-H Tanning Salons, for example, is one of the first in Shanghai and has opened six outlets in the city in the last two years.