☀️ There’s No Such Thing as a Healthy Tan — So Why Are Tan Lines Trending Again?

By Jazmyne van Gosliga

You’d think we’d learned by now, right? After decades of Slip, Slop, Slap ads, dermatologist warnings, and everyone finally becoming obsessed with SPF 50, the “sun-kissed” look has somehow made a comeback.

On TikTok, people are proudly showing off their tan lines. Literal, visible UV damage — now worn like a badge of honour. It’s giving early-2000s nostalgia, but make it dangerous.

As someone who lives and breathes beauty, I totally get the appeal. A bronze glow makes you look healthy, fresh, and like you’ve just come back from a European summer. But here’s the truth: there’s no such thing as a healthy tan.

Your skin doesn’t darken because it’s glowing — it darkens because it’s defending itself.

A tan is your skin’s SOS signal.

☠️ What a “Tan” Really Means

When UV rays hit your skin, they damage your cells’ DNA. Your body fights back by producing melanin — its own natural sunscreen — which is what creates the tan. Even if you’re wearing SPF, the second your skin colour changes, that’s your body reacting to stress.

Translation? It’s not glow; it’s trauma with a highlight filter.

🚫 Why the “Tan Lines Trend” Is a Red Flag

Australia and New Zealand already have some of the highest skin-cancer rates in the world. Two out of three of us will be diagnosed at some point.Yet online, we’re seeing tutorials on “how to tan faster,” mixing oils with low-SPF products, and deliberately tanning during peak UV hours. Some even talk about burning first to tan later.

It’s worrying — and unnecessary — because we’ve never had more safe, gorgeous options for getting that bronzed look without the risk.

✨ The Safe-Glow Alternatives

Let’s be honest — no one wants to look pale and patchy when summer hits. But you can absolutely fake it safely:

💛 Self-tan mousses, drops, and gradual lotions are your best friend. They’ve come a long way — no smell, no streaks, no regrets.

🎧 Tune into Episode 3 of Glossy Podcast where Hannah and I chat about our all-time favourite self-tanners and how to prep your skin for the perfect bronze.

🧴 Daily SPF 30+ or 50+, every single day (even when cloudy).

🕶️ Think sun chic: hats, sunnies, linen shirts — the ultimate “rich-aunt-on-holiday” aesthetic.

💧 Reapply every two hours if you’re swimming or sweating. Your skin will thank you now — and even more so in ten years.

💇‍♀️ And Don’t Forget: The Sun Affects Your Hair Too

The sun doesn’t discriminate — it’s not just your skin that needs protection. UV exposure fades colour, breaks down bonds, and leaves your hair dry and brittle (especially if it’s blonde or highlighted).

☀️ Use a UV-protective leave-in spray or oil before heading out.

🧢 Wear a hat if you’re spending the day at the beach.

💆‍♀️ Treat your hair like you do your skin — weekly deep-conditioning treatments will help keep it glossy and strong.

🌿 The Bottom Line

A tan might last two weeks — but the damage can last a lifetime. Protect your skin, care for your hair, and remember that glow doesn’t have to come from the sun.

Because there’s nothing healthy about a real tan — but there’s plenty healthy (and gorgeous) about faking it.