A worrying tanning trend is making waves on TikTok and Instagram, with Aussie teens intentionally seeking out bikini tan lines and glorifying sunburnt skin as a summer status symbol. This trend, fuelled by social media, is undoing years of skin cancer awareness and putting young people at serious risk.
Despite Australia having one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, young people continue to chase the “sun-kissed” look, unaware that a tan is a sign of skin damage, not health. Let’s dive into why this trend is so dangerous and how we can help end it.
The Rise of the Tan Line Trend on Social Media
The desire for tan lines has been circulating on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where teens post before-and-after tanning photos, boasting about the contrast between their swimwear and sun-darkened skin. Some even use UV tracking apps to plan their tanning sessions for maximum sun exposure.
With hashtags like #SunburntTanLines gaining millions of views, health experts are alarmed. Cancer Council Australia and dermatologists warn that this trend glamorises sunburn and normalises UV damage, increasing the risk of melanoma and premature ageing.
There is no such thing as a safe tan. Any change in your skin colour from sun exposure means DNA damage has already occurred.
The Reality: Tanning Increases Skin Cancer Risk
Many young people believe that a tan means healthy skin, but the truth is the opposite. Here’s why:
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Tanned Skin = Damaged Skin – A tan is the skin’s defence mechanism against UV radiation. Each tan or sunburn damages DNA, increasing the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing.
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Melanoma is Deadly – Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world. It’s the most common cancer in Australians aged 20-39 and is almost entirely preventable.
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The Damage is Cumulative – Every unprotected tanning session builds up and increases your lifetime skin cancer risk. Even one severe sunburn in childhood or adolescence can double the risk of developing melanoma later in life.
Why This Trend Needs to Stop
While sun safety campaigns have made great progress, social media influence is reversing those efforts. Younger generations are chasing outdated beauty ideals that prioritise aesthetics over health.
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UV Radiation is Stronger Than Ever – Australia has some of the harshest UV levels in the world, especially in summer. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays penetrate the clouds.
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Social Media Can Be Misleading – Seeing tanned influencers does not show the long-term consequences—pigmentation, premature ageing, and skin cancer diagnoses that may come years later.
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Skin Cancer Does Not Discriminate – Some believe darker skin does not burn, but everyone is at risk of UV damage and skin cancer, regardless of skin tone.
How to Protect Your Skin and End the Trend
It is time to break the cycle and shift the beauty standard. Sun protection is always in style, and here’s how you can stay sun-safe without missing out on summer fun.
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Wear UPF50+ Sun Protection Clothing – SParms arm sleeves, body shirts, and leg sleeves block 98% of UV rays while keeping you cool with patented cooling fabric.
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Apply SPF50+ Sunscreen – SParms 100% Organic Sunscreen is perfect for everyday use, reef-safe, and gentle on sensitive skin. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours.
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Cover Up With Hats and Neck Gaiters – A wide-brim hat and SParms neck gaiter protect often forgotten areas like the ears, nose, and back of the neck.
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Stay in the Shade and Avoid Peak UV Hours – Limit sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are strongest.
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Educate and Spread Awareness – If you see someone promoting bikini tan lines, remind them that healthy skin is protected skin. Encourage sun-smart choices instead.
Final Thoughts: Your Skin is for Life
A temporary tan is never worth a lifetime of skin damage. It is time to ditch outdated beauty trends and prioritise skin health. Social media might make tanning look glamorous, but in reality, real beauty is protecting your skin.
Join us in spreading awareness and staying sun-safe. Choose UPF50+ clothing, sunscreen, and smarter sun habits.
Shop the SParms collection today and keep your skin healthy for years to come.