Why Are Young People Tanning Again? What a New allure Feature Reveals About Melanoma Prevention Challenges

A recent feature in allure magazine explores a concerning trend: The resurgence of tanning culture among younger generations.

The article examines how social media, beauty standards, and evolving attitudes toward appearance are influencing some consumers, especially young people, to embrace tanning despite decades of public health messaging about the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

The good news is that the messaging has seemingly worked to reduce the amount of indoor tanning by young people. But the bad news is that outdoor tanning is seeing a resurgence.

As an organization dedicated to melanoma education, advocacy, and research, AIM at Melanoma was pleased to contribute to this important conversation. Alicia Rowell, AIM’s Vice President, was interviewed for the article, for her experience in prevention education with AIM and her work with the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention.

The Science Hasn’t Changed

While beauty trends may come and go, the science remains clear.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation—whether from the sun or indoor tanning devices—damages skin cells and increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Many people still associate a tan with health, attractiveness, or vitality. In reality, a tan is a visible sign that the skin has been injured by UV radiation. There is no such thing as a “safe” tan.

Research has consistently shown that indoor tanning increases melanoma and skin cancer risk, particularly when use begins at a young age. And research has shown that just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma later in life. These are the very reasons that public health advocates, researchers, healthcare providers, and patient organizations continue to emphasize prevention and education about UV radiation—whether it comes from an indoor device or the sun.

Why This Matters

For many younger people, social media serves as a primary source of beauty and lifestyle information. Trends can spread rapidly, often without equal attention to the health consequences behind them.

The allure article highlights the challenge facing melanoma and skin cancer prevention efforts today: Awareness alone is not enough. Even when people understand the risks, social pressures, beauty ideals, and online influences can shape behavior in powerful ways.

This makes ongoing education more important than ever.

Continuing the Conversation

At AIM at Melanoma, we believe that prevention remains one of the most effective tools in reducing the burden of melanoma. Education about UV safety, early detection, and skin cancer risk can help individuals make informed decisions that protect their long-term health.

We are grateful to allure for shining a light on this issue and for including expert perspectives in the discussion.

The conversation about tanning culture is not new—but it is one we cannot afford to stop having.

Read the Full Article

Read the complete allure feature exploring tanning trends and the challenges facing skin cancer prevention efforts:

Together, we can continue working toward a future where skin cancers are prevented whenever possible, detected early when they occur, and understood by the communities most at risk.