Serendipity Leads To Sun-Kissed Skin

I don't mind winter, but I do hate the pasty-white skin I sport during these cold months. I remember my grandmother used to slather herself with Q.T. (quick tan in a bottle from Coppertone). Then my brother and I would wait for her to turn orange – we'd marvel at the transformation and wonder if she'd turn into a full-fledged Oompa Loompa.

When no one was looking, I'd sneak off with the bottle and cover my arms and face with the potion. My mom would ask me if I'd gotten into my grandma's stash. I'd throw my hands up in the air and say, "No, not me."  My mom didn't need to be a great detective to catch me orange-handed.

Self-tanners have come a long way since then. This short video from the Americal Chemical Society's vault of Bytesize Science might prove interesting to the pale folks in your life. I was intrigued by the fact that fake tans were discovered by accident.

I know there are oodles of inventions that have serendipity to thank. Would you do me a favor and start listing them in the comment section? Thanks!

Traci Purdum
Senior Digital Editor