Maggie ZhouWe need to talk about the ugly truth behind tan lines"
Fashion Editor, @yemagz
These days it seems that trends come and go faster than you can say ‘sun protection’. But what about when the trend has a lasting impact on our health?
Fueled by social media platforms, the latest micro-trend's rise and demise can happen within a matter of days, as our algorithms feed us more content to keep us interested. Last summer social media was all over ‘tan lines’ with many people jumping on the trend by exposing their skin to damaging levels of UV radiation to achieve the look.
End The Trend influencers have been quick to point out that beneath this short-lived trend is a long-term reality. By calling out these viral trends, which can amplify unhealthy attitudes to suntanning, and dangerous beauty standards, we can start to End The Trend of skin cancer.
So, what’s really behind those #SunburntTanLines on your FYP?
Social media’s influence
After watching one suntan-related video, your algorithm likely doubled down with content glamourising the suntan. In fact, the hashtag ‘#SunburntTanLines’ had over 200 million views on TikTok last summer.
1 in 3 Aussies aged 18-30 think suntanning is fine for people of their age, yet 2 in 3 will get skin cancer in their lifetime.
Some people even admit to planning their day around peak UV exposure. Not to avoid it, but to get more of it. That’s like scheduling skin damage... Talk about a killer ‘glow’.
‘It won’t happen to me’
You’ve probably heard mates say things like, ‘I won’t get skin cancer,’ or 'I’ll just cut it out if I do,’ or even ‘there’ll be an easy fix by then.’ But here’s the thing... every bit of UV adds up. The more you skip sun protection, the more the damage builds; and faster than you think. So, when a suntanning trend goes viral it’s like hitting the accelerator on skin damage, wrinkles, sunspots, and the very real risk of skin cancer.
And it doesn’t take long. Just 15 minutes outside, without protection (when the UV is 3 or more) is enough to start doing harm. Even if you’re not laying out in the sun on purpose, your skin still cops it... And if you’re wondering about the best way to protect your skin, we’ve got you covered, literally!
- SLIP on loose-fitting clothing which covers your shoulders, arms and legs.
- SLOP on some SPF 50+ broad spectrum sunscreen, covering all exposed skin.
- SLAP on a broad-brimmed hat
- SEEK out some shade, under a tree or sunshade.
- SLIDE on some wraparound sunnies.
Future you will be so glad you did.
Plot twist: a suntan is not a sign of health
Imagine this. You’ve spent all day at the beach working on your suntan. Later that day your mate says ‘wow, you look so healthy.’ Sure, they mean well, but the reality? They are complimenting you on your sun damage. Not exactly a vibe, huh?
We’ve all grown up thinking a suntan equals health, but it couldn’t be further from the truth. A suntan is a sign that your skin is in trauma.
Even a light suntan shows that the skin has increased its production of melanin to protect itself. It means your skin is in distress; it’s your body’s warning sign.
The same goes for a base suntan; it does not provide protection. There is no such thing as a safe suntan. It is a sign that your skin has been damaged by UV.
UV radiation is invisible, but its effects are absolutely real. So, whether it’s sunny and baking hot, or cooler and cloudy outside, UV radiation can still damage your skin. In short, when the UV is 3 or over, you need to use all five forms of sun protection.
Suntans fade, but damage stays.
But while ‘tan lines’ have been trending, let’s explore exactly why they are a serious health problem with the facts.
- Australia experiences some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world because we are close to the equator and have many clear, blue-sky days. [1]
- Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world [2]
- 2 in 3 Aussies will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.[3]
- Sun exposure accounts for 80% of visible, premature ageing.
- A suntan is not a sign of health; it’s a visible sign of damage to your skin.
The standard is shifting
We can’t pretend trends like these don’t mess with our body image, either. There’s power (and confidence!) in owning your natural, healthy skin tone. By feeling proud of protecting your skin we are changing the narrative; and the more we see creators and friends doing it, the easier it will feel.
The beauty standard is shifting, and we are here for it. Fortunately, we are seeing more influencers prioritise their skin health and embrace their natural skin tone.
From TikTok to Instagram, more people are confidently going suntan-free, calling out the suntanning obsession for what it is: risky, and rooted in beauty ideals that don’t serve us.
It's not just a personal choice – it's about changing the culture altogether. By ending the trend, we are welcoming more than just a skincare glow-up, but a movement to celebrate a more natural, healthier version of ourselves.
Your skin’s new besties: The 5Ss
The brands, media and influencers promoting suntanning means it can be hard to avoid being exposed to unhealthy attitudes; but being conscious that these trends have dangerous implications can make a big difference.
As Aussies we understand the power of our sun. Protecting your skin is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to reduce your cancer risk and prevent premature aging.
Don’t forget, sun-safety is a flex. SLIP on a shirt, SLOP on sunscreen (broad spectrum, SPF 50+, reapply every 2 hours), SLAP on a wide-brimmed hat , SEEK shade during peak UV, and SLIDE on your sunnies.
These quick (yet super effective) precautions can help protect your skin and prevent you getting burned by a trend. It’s time to end the trend of skin cancer in Australia.
References:
- Gies P, Roy C, Javorniczky J, Henderson S, Lemus-Deschamps L, Driscoll C. Global Solar UV Index: Australian measurements, forecasts and comparison with the UK. Photochem Photobiol 2004 Jan;79(1):32-9 Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14974713.
- Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel RL, Laversanne M, Soerjomataram I, Jemal A, et al. Global Cancer Statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2021;71(3):209-49.
- Olsen C, Pandeya N, Green A, Ragaini B, Venn A, Whiteman D. Keratinocyte cancer incidence in Australia: a review of population-based incidence trends and estimates of lifetime risk. Public Health Res Pract 2022.