In the U.S, society has pushed the mindset that being tan is the standard for beauty. So, as the sun begins to shine in these warmer months, many face the temptation to lie out for hours in the sun to get their desired color. Bikini tan lines, sun freckles and a sun kissed tan is what many teens deem the perfect accessory to their looks. However, this bronzed look is not the only result of tanning, and it’s time we question whether the risks are worth the aesthetic.
We have all tried to get tan one way or another. From lying out in the UV 5 sun for three hours drenched in tanning oil to sleeping in self-tanner and hoping for the best result in the morning, we’ve all been there. But, while we all are aware of the risks, we usually ignore them because we think, “What are the chances?” In reality, they are much higher than you would expect. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer before the age of 70. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles the chance of developing melanoma, a type of skin cancer, later in life. The more you get burned, the greater your risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer isn’t the only risk of tanning; premature aging and eye damage are just a few in the long list. So, even if you don’t see the risks firsthand now, there is a high chance you might someday.
Sure, there are “safer” alternatives and protective measures to tanning that will avoid harsh damage, but many are still not perfect. Wearing sunscreen while tanning outside can tremendously decrease the risk of cancer, but some radiation will still get through. Drinkable tanning drops cause vomiting, nausea and may cause an increase in skin cancer, and many effects are still unknown. Self-tanning is the most popular and relatively safest way to look tan without the risk of real tanning. However, like everything else, it still comes with risks, including skin irritation and sun sensitivity afterwards.
It’s frustrating how normalized tanning has become in the U.S. Social media has exacerbated the pandemic of tanning as influencers show off their tanned glow before the summer. This new trend doesn’t seem like it’s doing that much, but in reality, we sacrifice our skin’s health for it. While tanning is idolized in the U.S., it’s important to remember that this standard for beauty isn’t the same everywhere. For example, in East Asia, being pale is ideal as it symbolizes status, health and beauty. There, people tend to stay out of the sun as much as they can, wearing long sleeves, hats and even having umbrellas out when the sun is up. This goes to show that the standard of beauty in skin tone is interpreted differently by everyone, so we shouldn’t put so much effort into achieving an unrealistic standard that will only do you harm. Your natural skin is beautiful and the best look you could have.
