Be Hot. Skip The Tan.

Autumn is here, but tan lines are still dangerously trending on social media.

If you haven’t heard of the tan line trend yet, you’re not missing out. It’s a worrying movement where influencers across TikTok and Instagram have been showing off their sunburnt halter neck or budgie smuggling imprints in a bid to look (ahem) hot.

The hashtag #sunburnttanlines has clocked up millions of views, with videos encouraging people to tan when the ultraviolet radiation (UV) is at a high.

The trend took off across Australia earlier this year when people had more time to expose their body to the sun, but it’s a worrying movement that could continue all year round with the number of jet-setting influencers fleeing the colder weather for hotter destinations.

It’s prompted renewed calls from experts for healthy and safe skincare regimes, whether you’re on a holiday or not.

This includes wearing proper clothing and coverage such as hats and sleeves, using a daily sunscreen on your face and body, and keeping your sun exposure to a minimum to help reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer and tragically one person dies from melanoma every six hours.

The Australian Government, in partnership with Cancer Council Australia, has doubled down on efforts to reduce the number of Australians with skin cancer by investing $15 million in proven campaigns targeting at-risk groups including young people as well as men aged over 40.

The End the Trend campaign for young people and Save Your Skin messaging for men have been appearing where these groups are most likely to see them, such as at sporting events or a music festival.
 
The campaigns drive home the message that suntanning isn’t safe at any age and using the five forms of sun protection – Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide – is the best way to avoid skin cancer.

Cancer Council Australia CEO Mark Nevin said  skin cancer was the most preventable cancer.

‘Whether it’s being too casual about sun protection or chasing a suntan, these dangerous attitudes are putting Australians at unnecessary risk of skin cancer,’ he said. ‘We’re delighted to be partnering with the Australian Government again on these innovative campaigns that will challenge unhealthy behaviours and help prevent skin cancer nationally.’

So, if you really want that bronzed glow, we suggest avoiding the sun, getting a fake-tan and investing in some proper skin care. Because, what’s hotter than being happy and healthy?