Gen Z may be the skincare-obsessed generation, but there is one habit quietly contradicting the entire routine, tanning. The obsession with that sun-kissed, golden-hour glow is real, and it is winning over SPF more often than it should.
Looking bronzed has become less of a holiday bonus and more of a full-time beauty goal. And the problem? The pursuit is not exactly skin-friendly.
Pinterest | Despite their 10-step routines, many Gen Zers are still skipping the basics.
The message is subtle but clear: glowing equals winning.
Pinterest | Despite their 10-step routines, many Gen Zers are still skipping the basics. Internet made them do it
Blame it on the algorithm. Social media platforms are flooded with glow-up content, where tanned skin is often framed as the ultimate upgrade. Trends like chasing high UV levels to tan faster are gaining traction, turning what should be a health concern into a viral aesthetic.The message is subtle but clear: glowing equals winning.
Beauty over biology
There is also a slightly alarming mindset at play. A noticeable chunk of young adults are prioritising how they look now over how their skin might age later. Experts have observed that this preference for immediate results is leading many to overlook the long-term impact of UV exposure.In short, future skin is someone else's problem.
Pinterest | There is also a clear knowledge gap, with many lacking even basic awareness about UV risks and protection. The misinformation spiral
Adding to the chaos is a wave of myths that refuse to die. Some believe a base tan offers protection, while others think sunscreen ingredients are more harmful than the sun itself.Dermatology experts have consistently pointed out that tanning is actually a sign of skin damage, not health. That bronzed glow? It is your skin reacting to stress, not thriving.
Despite their 10-step routines, many Gen Zers are still skipping the basics. A large number admit they forget sunscreen regularly, and sunburn rates remain surprisingly high.
Pinterest | Dermatology experts have consistently pointed out that tanning is actually a sign of skin damage, not health. That bronzed glow? It is your skin reacting to stress, not thriving. There is also a clear knowledge gap, with many lacking even basic awareness about UV risks and protection.
The rise of "safe glow" alternatives
The beauty industry is already pivoting. Think tinted sunscreens, skincare-infused self-tanners, and bronzing drops that deliver the glow without the damage.Because here is the reality: the tan might fade, but the effects of sun damage do not.