05/26/2026
Such an important item to Repost credit to . Tanning bed use may be at an all-time low, but tanning *culture* is very much on the rise. On TikTok and Instagram, young creators are sharing their “tanning optimization routines,” complete with their favorite tanning accelerators and timed schedules for when to flip over. Crisp bikini tan lines have become a badge of honor amongst a certain Gen Z set.
Writer has a few theories for why the bronzed (or, in many instances, burnt) look is once again highly coveted, despite our increased understanding of the risks of UV exposure. For one, the 2000s have come back to haunt us: low-rise jeans, body glitter, and the very thin, very tan aesthetic are all popular again. “We tan because we feel more confident or ‘prettier’ when we’re tan,” one anonymous college-aged source told us. And what about the accelerated age spots, wrinkles, and potential skin cancer? As another young woman put it: “That’s for the future to decide.” At the link in our bio, read our full report on the return of tanning culture.
Photos/Videos: Antonio Terron/ Trunk Archive, Getty Images
