Leslie Massey
Tanning is a popular pastime in Australia, with many Australians aspiring to achieve a beach babe or bronzed look. This trend has been perpetuated by social media and influencers, who have been blamed for spreading content that glamorises tanning and misinformation about sunscreen. Despite the well-known risks of skin cancer from sun exposure, Australians continue to seek tanned skin, with two out of three Australians likely to have skin cancer before the age of 70. This has led to a shift towards fake tanning methods such as spray tanning, which is considered a safer alternative to sunbathing. However, the desire for a tan remains strong, especially among young people, prompting government and health organisations to launch campaigns aimed at changing attitudes and behaviours to reduce the prevalence of skin cancer in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Skin cancer rate | 2 out of 3 Australians are likely to have skin cancer before the age of 70 |
| Sunbathing | Sunbathing is a favourite pastime of Australians |
| Solariums | Solariums emit ultraviolet radiation to tan bodies |
| Spray tanning | Spray tans are becoming the new normal in Australia |
| Sun protection | 68% of Australian women have not had a professional skin check in the last 12 months |
| Tanning culture | Tanning is still a mainstay in Australian culture |
| Social media | Social media companies and influencers have been blamed for spreading content that glamorises tanning |
| Sun safety campaigns | The federal government and Cancer Council Australia launched a $7.3 million campaign to promote sun safety to Australians aged 18-30 |
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What You'll Learn
The dangers of tanning
Tanning is a popular pastime in Australia, but it is important to be aware of the dangers it poses to your health.
Firstly, tanning causes skin damage. The ultraviolet rays of the sun penetrate the skin’s epidermis and dermis, causing damage to the cells in both layers. This damage accumulates over time, with each tan or sunburn increasing the risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. In fact, any form of tanning, whether outdoors or indoors, is harmful. Tanning beds and lamps emit UV radiation, which raises the risk of skin cancer, with one study finding that 97% of women diagnosed with melanoma under the age of 30 had used tanning beds. Furthermore, the UV rays produced by solariums are six times stronger than the summer sun, and those who use them before the age of 35 have a 59% increased risk of melanoma.
Secondly, tanning speeds up the visible signs of ageing. The damage caused to skin cells by UV radiation leads to premature ageing, with skin becoming dehydrated and aged before its time.
Thirdly, tanning can cause other health issues. For example, sun exposure can weaken the immune system in people who have been treated for the herpes simplex virus, leading to a reactivation of the infection and recurring cold sores. Additionally, photokeratitis, or sunburn of the cornea, can be caused by intense UVC/UVB exposure.
Finally, tanning can have a negative impact on mental health. The pressure to achieve a tanned appearance can lead to body image issues and low self-esteem, with individuals feeling that they need to alter their natural skin tone to conform to societal norms.
It is important to note that there is no such thing as a safe tan. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid tanning altogether and practice sun safety by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen, and protecting your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses.
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Tanning as a beauty standard
Tanning has been a popular beauty standard in Australian society for decades. The trend can be traced back to the 1920s when Coco Chanel popularized the idea of tanned skin as a sign of wealth and health after Mediterranean vacations became fashionable. The association between tanned skin and socioeconomic status persisted, with Western cultures viewing tanned skin as a desirable indicator of sunny holidays.
In Australia, the "beach babe" or "beach bum" image has been deeply ingrained in the cultural consciousness, with spending time at the beach and engaging in outdoor activities being a beloved pastime. This has contributed to the perception of tanned skin as a beauty ideal. Additionally, the strong Australian sun and late summer sunsets encourage outdoor activities and sun exposure, making it easier to achieve a tan.
The desire for tanned skin has led to the popularity of various tanning methods in Australia. Sun tanning, or soaking up the sun's rays, has been a favored way to achieve a tan, despite the associated health risks. The use of tanning beds, solariums, and sunbeds has also gained traction, with people seeking a controlled environment to achieve a tan. However, these methods have been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer due to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
To mitigate the health risks associated with sun exposure, Australians are increasingly turning to alternative tanning methods. Spray tanning and self-tanning products have become popular as they provide a safer way to achieve a tan without the damaging effects of UV radiation. These products often contain nourishing and hydrating ingredients, such as nut oils, vitamins, and moisturizers, offering additional skincare benefits.
While the understanding of the dangers of tanning is improving, there is still a prevalent beauty standard of tanned skin in Australia. Social media and influencers have been criticized for perpetuating the glamorization of tanning and spreading misinformation about the dangers of sun exposure. However, efforts are being made to utilize these same platforms to promote sun safety and healthy alternatives to traditional tanning methods.
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Tanning methods
Sunbathing
Sunbathing has been a popular pastime in Australia, with many enjoying the warm glow of the sun. However, it has also been associated with serious health risks, including skin cancer, which is a prevalent issue in the country. Despite awareness campaigns such as "slip, slop, slap" and "no hat, no play", some Australians still seek a tan, believing it to be a beauty standard.
Solariums
Solariums, or tanning beds, were once a common method for achieving a tan. These machines emit ultraviolet radiation, causing the skin to produce melanin and darken. However, they have been banned in Australia due to their health risks, with studies showing increased chances of developing skin cancer from their use.
Spray Tanning
Spray tanning is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to sunbathing and solariums. It provides a safer way to achieve a tan without the same level of health risks. Spray tan solutions often contain nourishing and hydrating ingredients, and they can help conceal imperfections. However, there are still concerns about potential allergic reactions and other side effects, and more research is needed to understand the long-term impacts.
Other Methods
Other tanning methods have included the use of tanning oils and self-tanners, which gained popularity after World War II. Additionally, social media and influencers have played a role in promoting tanning, with various trends and challenges related to tanning appearing on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
While Australians continue to seek a tan, there is a growing awareness of the health risks associated with tanning methods that involve UV radiation exposure. Campaigns by organisations like Cancer Council Australia and Melanoma Institute Australia aim to educate people about sun safety and encourage healthier alternatives to traditional tanning methods.
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Tanning in Australian culture
Tanning has been a popular pastime in Australia, with many Australians seeking a bronzed look. However, this trend comes with serious health risks, as ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or solariums can cause skin cancer. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally, with about two-thirds of Australians expected to receive a skin cancer diagnosis by the age of 70. Despite awareness campaigns and the banning of commercial solariums, tanning remains prevalent in Australia, fuelled by cultural norms and social media influences.
Historically, the association between tanned skin and outdoor activities or holidays contributed to the perception of a tan as desirable. After World War II, soldiers returning from warmer climates popularised self-tanners and tanning oils. In the 1970s, the invention of the sun lamp by Friedrich Wolff further promoted indoor tanning. While solariums were eventually banned in Australia due to health concerns, illegal backyard operations persist.
The ""beach babe" image and the aspiration for a "beach glow" have been deeply ingrained in Australian culture. This perception is reinforced by social media platforms, where content creators and influencers showcase their sun-kissed skin. Despite efforts by organisations like Cancer Council Australia to promote sun safety through campaigns such as "End the Trend," the influence of social media and the desire for a tan remain strong, especially among young Australians.
To address the issue, health authorities and advocates have turned to social media as a tool to reach younger audiences. The federal government and Cancer Council Australia partnered with influencers and fashion and lifestyle brands to spread healthy sun habits. These campaigns aim to educate Australians, especially the younger generation, about the importance of sun protection and dispelling myths about tanning.
While Australians are becoming more aware of the health risks associated with sun tanning, the love for a tanned look persists. As a result, there has been a shift towards fake tanning methods, such as spray tanning, which is considered a safer alternative to sunbathing if used correctly. Spray tanning products often contain nourishing and hydrating ingredients, and they can help conceal imperfections. However, it is important to note that spray tanning is not entirely risk-free, and further research is needed to understand its potential complications.
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Campaigns against tanning
Tanning is a popular pastime in Australia, but it is also a dangerous one. With Australia having one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, there have been several campaigns over the years to reduce the popularity of tanning and encourage Australians to adopt healthier habits.
One of the earliest campaigns was the "tanning is skin cells in trauma" ads, which aired on TV across the nation. This campaign highlighted the fact that tanning is a sign of skin cells being damaged by UV radiation. Despite this, tanning remains a mainstay in Australian culture, with many people still aspiring to the ""beach babe" image.
In 2005, tanning beds were banned in Australia, thanks to a combination of research, powerful personal stories, and the advocacy of academics, cancer organizations, and community campaigners. One notable campaigner was Clare Oliver, who died of melanoma at the age of 26 and attributed her illness to her regular use of artificial tanning devices. Her personal campaign in the mid-2000s was followed by the "Dark Side of Tanning" campaign in 2007-2008, which continued to fight against the perception of a safe or healthy tan with the message, "There's nothing healthy about a tan".
In 2019, solariums were reclassified as Group 1 carcinogens, in the same category as tobacco and asbestos. Despite this, tanning remains popular, with many people turning to fake tanning methods such as spray tanning to achieve the desired look without the sun exposure. However, this has also led to a new set of problems, with tanning aids like oils and sprays that promise a tan while skirting regulations related to sunscreen promotion.
To combat this, the Cancer Council Australia has partnered with influencers and fashion magazines to spread healthy sun habits and curb the desire for a tan. The "End the Trend" campaign encourages people to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, slide on sunglasses, and seek shade. The Australian Government has also launched a $7.3 million campaign to end the trend of suntanning by targeting young people through social media, music festivals, and fashion and lifestyle brands. Melanoma researchers Professor Georgina Long and Professor Richard Scolyer, named Australians of the Year in 2024, have also used their platforms to urge Australians to stop glamourising tanning.
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Frequently asked questions
Tanning has been a beauty standard since Coco Chanel popularized it in the 1920s when Mediterranean holidays became fashionable. In Australia, the strong sun and late summer sunsets make it difficult to avoid the sun. Australians also like to spend time outdoors and at the beach. Tanning is also associated with a higher socioeconomic status, as it is linked to taking holidays.
When skin is exposed to UV light, it produces more melanin (pigment) to protect itself from UV damage, causing the skin to darken.
Tanning is a sign of skin damage from overexposure to UV radiation. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Australia, with 2 out of 3 Australians expected to be diagnosed by the age of 70.
Spray tanning and the use of solariums (tanning beds) are popular alternatives to sun tanning. However, these methods also have health risks. Spray tanning can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and eye irritation. Solariums emit UV radiation that is 6 times stronger than the summer sun and significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
