This summer, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have seen a rise in users, especially among Gen Z, tracking the daily UV index. Instead of using this information to avoid sun exposure, many are seeking out peak UV times for tanning. At the same time, some influencers are questioning the safety and necessity of sunscreen use.
Experts warn that while online discussions about sun exposure grow, the dangers from ultraviolet (UV) radiation remain significant and cumulative for all skin tones. Risks include sunburns, premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and in some cases, skin cancer.
Y. Linda Liou, DO, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Dermatology at UC San Diego School of Medicine, addressed these trends and misconceptions about sun safety.
“I actually love that people are paying attention to the UV index — it means they’re thinking about sun exposure. But what worries me is how it’s being used: instead of avoiding high UV times, people are chasing them to tan faster. A tan may look like a glow, but it’s really your skin’s SOS signal that DNA damage has already happened. You don’t see it right away, but the harm is happening underneath,” said Liou.
Explaining how the UV index works, she stated: “The UV index is basically a weather report for how strong the sun’s radiation is. It takes into account things like time of day, altitude, cloud cover and ozone levels. The scale runs from 1 to 11+, and the higher the number, the faster your skin can burn or get damaged. At a UV index of 11, for example, some lighter skin tones can burn in under 5 minutes. But even if you are darker skinned and you don’t burn easily, your skin cells are still getting hit with invisible radiation damage.”
Liou highlighted both short- and long-term effects from intentional tanning during peak UV hours: “When you lay out during peak UV, you’re getting a blast of radiation at its strongest. On the surface you might see a tan or burn, but underneath, UV rays are breaking DNA, stressing out skin cells and weakening your skin’s immune defenses.
Short-term effects include sunburns, tans and more breakouts of things like cold sores. Over time, UV damage can lead to wrinkles, skin thinning, uneven pigmentation and increased risk of skin cancers that can be life threatening like melanoma.
And just to be clear — no skin tone is immune. Darker skin tones don’t burn as easily but UV damage still builds up and can lead to hyperpigmentation or skin cancers that are often diagnosed later because people don’t expect them.”
On myths surrounding tanning practices such as achieving a “base tan,” Liou noted: “One of the biggest myths is that a ‘base tan’ protects you. The truth is a tan is your skin’s response to damage — it translates to your cells pumping out melanin… That tiny bit of protection is nowhere near as strong as sunscreen…”
Regarding claims circulating online about sunscreen safety or necessity: “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the mixed messages online. But here’s the fact: sunscreen is safe effective and one of simplest ways to prevent skin cancer and premature aging.”
She addressed specific concerns:
“Sunscreen is toxic and harmful: Some studies in mice found signs… when animals were exposed to very high doses… Those results don’t translate… If you want minimize any risks mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide titanium dioxide) are great alternatives.”
“Sunscreen is bad for environment: Not all sunscreens have negative impact on coral reefs… Only certain chemical blockers such as oxybenzone octinoxate have been found associated with coral bleaching… look for mineral sunscreens or ‘reef-safe’ options.”
“Sunscreen will cause vitamin D deficiency: The truth is…the sun is unreliable way get vitamin D because varies by season…and geography —and UV damage outweighs benefits….A vitamin D supplement safer more consistent choice.”
Liou emphasized prevention: “I hear this often from my older patients with skin cancers: ‘I wish I had worn more sunscreen when I was younger.’ Right now you have tons options—lotions sprays gels sticks even tinted sunscreens…”
For practical steps beyond standard advice Liou recommended:
“You don’t have avoid sun completely just be smart about it:
Stay in shaded areas when possible … try do outdoor activities before 9am after 4pm when UV index lower…
Check UV index on phone … If greater than 3 should have some form protection…
The bread butter ‘wear sunscreen hat’ still important….Go broad-spectrum SPF30+….Reapply every 90 minutes set phone alarm remind yourself!
There many fun stylish options photo-protective clothing hats sunglasses …UPF30+ shirts wide-brim hats sunglasses protect eyes….If don’t want buy new clothes there even laundry additive called SunGuard adds UV protection…
There fern-derived dietary supplement polypodium leucotomos offers added protection but only backup never replacement for sunscreen shade.”
