Another day, another lifestyle trend. In the ever-evolving landscape of beauty and wellness, it can sometimes feel like we are on a merry-go-round as trends move at a faster pace than ever – from clean beauty aesthetic to the ever changing TikTok climate our heads are spinning.
However, there’s one movement we are happily leaning into: embracing the skin we are in and taking the best possible care of it.
Number one on the list of good things you can do for your skin? Steer clear of sun tanning. Thankfully, the allure of sun-kissed skin is losing its grip on celebrities, the fashion set and beauty girlies, and instead celebrating our natural complexion is having its day.
When it comes to a ‘healthy glow’ we’re all about taking care of our health and our skin, so we look radiant and are glowing from within. Although in the influencer-filled world of TikTok, we’ve seen an alarming TikTok trend arise and we’re ready to put it to bed…
TikTok (Sk)influence
As our collective awareness of the risks of sun tanning deepens, we’ve seen a significant move away from the once-revered practice of chasing the perfect suntan – whether that’s from a bottle or the beach. And even though the red carpet was once dominated by suntanned goddesses, we’re now seeing the luminous looks of celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Emma Stone, Sophie Turner and Elle Fanning confidently showcasing their natural complexions. However, closer to home there has been a dangerous TikTok trend that’s recently taking over our algorithms.
The #tanlines trend has amassed tens of thousands of worrying posts, with creators showing off their deepening suntan lines. The concerning trend is prompting a severe divide amongst the educated and the unbothered. Thankfully, where there’s ignorance, there’s influential people like Laura Henshaw promoting sun-safe behaviours.
We can all agree, the retro image of lounging on a sunbed, cocktail in hand is giving way to a more contemporary aesthetic of invigorating hikes, stylish wide-brimmed hats, and emotional support water bottles hailing in the new era of prioritised health and wellbeing, making a difference internally and externally. And, in case you have been tempted by the troubling trend, here are some sun-safety facts to help modify your sun tanning behaviours…
Did You Know?
- Just 15 minutes in the sun can damage your skin.
- A suntan degrades your skin’s elastin, leading to leathery skin, sunspots and mole growth.
- Most of us spend time and money on skin care routines to have healthy-looking skin, but sun tanning undermines this.
- Rather than a ‘healthy’ look, a suntan leads to premature ageing.
- Sun tanning doesn’t protect the skin from sun damage, sun tanning is skin damage.
- Sun protection is easy to add to your daily routine.
- You can feel confident and healthy in the skin you’re in without a suntan.
Sun-Safe Fashion

This cultural shift is not only redefining beauty ideals but also reshaping holiday wardrobes. As suntans fall out of favour, long cover-ups are elegantly taking the place of shorts and bandeau tops on beaches. The new fashion mantra is less about revealing skin and more about embracing a chic and sophisticated aesthetic.
Embracing a cover-up is not just a fashion choice; it’s a reflection of a broader shift in mindset. As the sun’s allure wanes, the fashion set is rewriting the rules, proving that true style transcends the need for a deep suntan.
marie claire Australia editor Georgie McCourt agrees: “Sun protection doesn’t just mean sunscreen. Rock a hat and stylish sunglasses, as well as stand out fashion choices that cover your body, whilst saving your skin. Lightweight kaftans, natural fibres like linen, hemp and cotton in loose fitting breezy styles are my go-to summer style.”
Skin Confidence
Confidently embracing our natural skin tone is a declaration that resonates with self-care and conscientiousness about our skin – it’s the greatest gift we can give ourselves. Achieving a radiant look without altering our natural skin tones communicates a message that goes beyond trends, and it shows that you prioritise the wellbeing of yourself and your skin. The glowing outcome is a testament to this mindful approach.
It’s clear that sun tanning is fading from our culture and embracing our natural skin as a beautiful and distinctive feature is a trend that’s here to stay. And we couldn’t be happier about it.
Brought to you by Cancer Council and the Australian Government.
Main Image Credit: @lackofcoloraus