Hop onto TikTok and you’ll find lots of videos of young people — mostly women — fake baking under the glowing UV lights of a tanning bed. Seattle dermatologist Heather Rogers says this is an alarming trend that comes after years of decline in indoor tanning in the U.S.
She points to a 2025 survey from the American Academy of Dermatology which found 20% of Gen Z respondents prioritize getting a tan over protecting their skin. And 25% say it’s worth looking great now even if it means looking worse later.
They feel like “it’s better to be tan than it is to worry about skin cancer,” Rogers says.
I get what you’re saying but it seems overly complicated and unnecessary risk. We know UV exposure is not good, so why do it? Yes the body can make vitamin D with some exposure, but what’s your opposition to simply taking a supplement and eating vitamin D rich foods or fortified drinks?
Your setup needs to account for timing, distance, and duration appropriately without any easy feedback to determine those parameters are correct. Even then there are still risks including eye exposure as you said.
What you’re saying can be done, but it’s complicated and not without risk when there are easier and safer alternatives. Personally, I take a medication that increases my risks from sun exposure, so I always wear sunscreen and avoid direct sunlight when possible. I’ve found taking a supplement to be super easy and it’s generally a good idea to take a high quality, well rounded supplement since it can account for other nutrients your diet may be lacking at any point in time (ex. Was my diet lower in iron or some vitamin this week? No big deal since I supplement anyways)