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I should have known my sun ‘tan’ was too good to be true

The unfortunate moment when you reach for the sunscreen and grab something else entirely

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.
Fri Jul 17 2026 - 06:00 • 1 MIN READ

Sir, – Being somewhat pale of complexion, one must always be careful to avoid over-exposure to the sun. This wonderful spell of weather reminds me of a holiday in Spain some years ago.

As we headed out one evening, my wife commented: “For a change, you’re getting a bit of a colour.” That night, as we prepared to turn in, I was admiring my ”bronzed” face and arms when the penny dropped.

Somehow, God knows how, that morning I had mistaken fake tan for sunscreen and applied it liberally. I returned home, for once with a colour. When it comes to fake tan, the words “never” and “again” spring to mind. – Yours, etc,

TOM GILSENAN,

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Beaumont,

Dublin 9.