The New York Times: They’ve Heard the Warnings. Gen Z Is Tanning Anyway.
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm over the resurgence of tanning culture among Gen Z, despite decades of public health messaging around skin cancer prevention. A recent New York Times feature explores how social media trends, beauty standards, and misinformation have fueled a renewed obsession with bronzed skin — with some young people even using UV index apps to optimize tanning sessions rather than avoid harmful sun exposure.
Among the experts featured in the article is Dr. Neely Khan, MD, FAAD, who reinforces the importance of prevention-first skincare and consistent daily sunscreen use. Dr. Neely emphasizes that there is no such thing as a healthy tan, noting that UV exposure accelerates premature aging and increases long-term skin cancer risk — even when damage is not immediately visible.
The piece also highlights the growing contradiction within skincare culture: while anti-aging products and elaborate skincare routines dominate online beauty spaces, tanning itself has become glamorized again across TikTok and Instagram. Dermatologists continue to advocate for sun protection, education, and long-term skin health over fleeting beauty trends.