Tan Maxing: Why a Tan Is Damage
Beam SkinTok Fact Check — by Dr Lauren Knight & Dr Tarryn Jacobs, Dermatologists
Chasing a tan on purpose is a trend, and it is happening on your feed right now. Here is what a tan actually is, and why dermatologists never call it healthy.
Tan maxing means going after a tan deliberately, often by heading out when the UV index is high to get one faster. It looks like a glow-up. Underneath, it is something very different.
FACT CHECK
FOUR TAN MAXING MYTHS, ANSWERED
These are the ideas that keep the trend going. Here is what the science says about each one:
THE BIGGER PICTURE
IT ADDS UP, SO PROTECTION IS A DAILY HABIT
Because the damage is cumulative, one deliberate tan is not a separate event. It goes on the same running total as the walk to school, break time and the sports field. That is why dermatologists talk about sun protection every day, not only on beach days.
You can still enjoy being outside. Protection is what lets you do that while keeping your skin healthy for the long run.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD
SUNSCREEN IS ONE PART OF A BIGGER PLAN
Sunscreen works best alongside other ways to protect your skin; layer the up.
Broad-spectrum SPF 50 (covering both UVA and UVB rays),
Seeking shade between 10:00-14:00,
Sun-protective clothing,
Wide-brimmed hat
Sunglasses
Our full-layered plan with application tips for South African conditions is in our sun protection guide for tweens.
