Tan lines. Once hidden, now sought after, but can they make a safe comeback?

Tan lines, once considered something to hide, are now a popular trend, especially among young people on social media. In the 1990s, people tried hard to make their skin look even, but today, tan lines are seen as stylish and a sign of an active, fun lifestyle. Beauty influencers like Jemma Violet are leading the way, showing their followers how to create bold tan lines using fake tanning products. Jemma uses a mousse and sometimes even masking tape to get sharp, clear lines that look like she has been sunbathing. She says the contrast between the dark tan and the white lines is eye-catching and makes her feel confident. Her videos have become very popular, with millions of views on TikTok.

However, not everyone is using fake tan. Many people are still going outside and lying in the sun to get real tan lines, even though this can be dangerous. Some people end up with painful sunburns and share their experiences online, sometimes even showing off their red, damaged skin. There are hashtags like #sunburntanlines and #sunpoisoning, and some people seem to think that the pain is worth it for the look. This is worrying because sunburn can cause serious health problems, including skin cancer. In the past, having a tan was a sign that you worked outside and were poor, but by the 1920s, it became a symbol of wealth and health. People used to use cooking oil and reflective blankets to get darker tans, but now we know that too much sun is very risky.

Jak Howells is someone who learned this lesson the hard way. He started using sunbeds when he was 15 and soon became addicted, using them several times a week. He liked the compliments he got about his tan, but he ignored the risks. When he was 26, he found out he had melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer. He had to have surgery and go through tough treatments like immunotherapy. Jak says the experience was horrible, and now he is very careful about sun exposure. He always uses sunscreen and tries to warn others about the dangers of tanning. Experts say that even getting sunburned once every two years can triple your risk of skin cancer. There is also a lot of misinformation online, with some people claiming that sunscreen is harmful, but doctors say it is important to protect your skin.

The trend of showing off tan lines is not just about fashion; it can have serious health consequences. While fake tan is a safer way to get the look, lying in the sun or using sunbeds can be very dangerous. Skin cancer rates are rising, and experts are worried that people are forgetting the risks. Jemma Violet and others are trying to promote safe ways to get tan lines, but it is important for everyone to remember that their health comes first. Using sunscreen, avoiding too much sun, and choosing safer options like fake tan can help prevent serious problems in the future. The desire to look good should never come at the cost of your health.