This 'Fashion Trend' is causing outrage—here's why one Aussie is slamming it!
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In the land down under, where the sun shines bright and the beaches beckon, a dangerous fashion trend is causing more than just a stir. It's sparking outrage, especially among those who have felt the sting of skin cancer's impact. Belle Bower, a public relations manager and content creator, is leading the charge against this trend after experiencing the pain of losing her father to melanoma.
The trend in question? Flaunting tan lines as a badge of honour. Social media platforms are awash with images of young women showcasing their sun-kissed skin, often accompanied by tips on achieving the 'perfect' tan. From selecting the right bikini to using products that boost melanin or tracking the UV index, the pursuit of the ideal tan line seems relentless. Some even resort to fake tanning products to mimic the look without sun exposure.
But Belle Bower doesn't have any of it. With over 1.6 million views on a clip where she addresses this issue, Bower is a voice of reason in a sea of sun-soaked selfies. 'Losing my dad to melanoma ignited a deep passion in me to advocate for wearing SPF and annual skin checks,' she told news.com.au. She's observed a troubling shift on social media, where glorifying sun tanning has made a comeback, with girls as young as 12 obsessing over tan lines.
The problem is starkly visible. A casual stroll through a shopping centre reveals numerous young girls with sunburnt chests, proudly displaying their tan lines. Influencers on social media aren't helping, often showing off their sunburns and tan lines, albeit with disclaimers about wearing SPF. But the reality, as Bower points out, is that there's no such thing as a 'healthy tan.' Sun exposure causes irreparable harm to skin cells, and the risks far outweigh the aesthetic appeal.
With her beauty marketing background, Bower understands the influence of vanity on behaviour, especially among young women. She suggests that if the life-and-death message about skin cancer isn't getting through, it's time to shift the narrative. New sun safety campaigns should highlight the sun's aging effects on the skin, the brutal surgeries and treatments cancer patients endure, and the physical deformities it can cause. Fear of wrinkles, she argues, might resonate more than fear of cancer.
Since Bower's video went viral, comments on influencers' videos calling for accountability have noticed a noticeable increase. Skin cancer survivors are amplifying her message. It's a step in the right direction, but there's still a long way to go. 'The reaction to this video is unsurprisingly polarising,' Bower said, emphasising the need for conversations about tanning culture in Australia.
Mark Nevin, CEO of Cancer Council Australia, echoes Bower's concerns. He points out that attitudes like fake tan, real sunburn, or actual tan lines contribute to harmful behaviours. With Australia having the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, it's crucial to adopt sun-protective behaviours. Nevin urges Australians to Slip on a shirt And sunscreen, slip on a hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses whenever the UV index is three or above.
To combat the cultural forces, Cancer Council Australia and the Australian Government are launching an innovative National Skin Cancer Prevention Campaign called 'End the Trend.' This campaign aims to harness Gen Z culture and the power of influencers, fashion, and lifestyle media to challenge young Australians' dangerous attitudes and behaviours towards suntanning.
Members of our Seniors Discount Club, we know you care deeply about the health and well-being of your families, especially the younger generations. It's essential to have open conversations about the dangers of sun exposure and to lead by example. Encourage your loved ones to embrace sun safety and understand that true beauty doesn't come at the cost of their health.
Credit: TikTok
What are your thoughts on this troubling trend? Have you had discussions with your family about sun safety? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Let's work together to make sun safety not just smart, but also 'cool.’
The trend in question? Flaunting tan lines as a badge of honour. Social media platforms are awash with images of young women showcasing their sun-kissed skin, often accompanied by tips on achieving the 'perfect' tan. From selecting the right bikini to using products that boost melanin or tracking the UV index, the pursuit of the ideal tan line seems relentless. Some even resort to fake tanning products to mimic the look without sun exposure.
Belle Bower expressed concern on social media over the glorification of suntanning and bikini tan lines among young Australians. Credit: @Bellebower / TikTok
But Belle Bower doesn't have any of it. With over 1.6 million views on a clip where she addresses this issue, Bower is a voice of reason in a sea of sun-soaked selfies. 'Losing my dad to melanoma ignited a deep passion in me to advocate for wearing SPF and annual skin checks,' she told news.com.au. She's observed a troubling shift on social media, where glorifying sun tanning has made a comeback, with girls as young as 12 obsessing over tan lines.
The problem is starkly visible. A casual stroll through a shopping centre reveals numerous young girls with sunburnt chests, proudly displaying their tan lines. Influencers on social media aren't helping, often showing off their sunburns and tan lines, albeit with disclaimers about wearing SPF. But the reality, as Bower points out, is that there's no such thing as a 'healthy tan.' Sun exposure causes irreparable harm to skin cells, and the risks far outweigh the aesthetic appeal.
With her beauty marketing background, Bower understands the influence of vanity on behaviour, especially among young women. She suggests that if the life-and-death message about skin cancer isn't getting through, it's time to shift the narrative. New sun safety campaigns should highlight the sun's aging effects on the skin, the brutal surgeries and treatments cancer patients endure, and the physical deformities it can cause. Fear of wrinkles, she argues, might resonate more than fear of cancer.
Since Bower's video went viral, comments on influencers' videos calling for accountability have noticed a noticeable increase. Skin cancer survivors are amplifying her message. It's a step in the right direction, but there's still a long way to go. 'The reaction to this video is unsurprisingly polarising,' Bower said, emphasising the need for conversations about tanning culture in Australia.
Mark Nevin, CEO of Cancer Council Australia, echoes Bower's concerns. He points out that attitudes like fake tan, real sunburn, or actual tan lines contribute to harmful behaviours. With Australia having the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, it's crucial to adopt sun-protective behaviours. Nevin urges Australians to Slip on a shirt And sunscreen, slip on a hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses whenever the UV index is three or above.
To combat the cultural forces, Cancer Council Australia and the Australian Government are launching an innovative National Skin Cancer Prevention Campaign called 'End the Trend.' This campaign aims to harness Gen Z culture and the power of influencers, fashion, and lifestyle media to challenge young Australians' dangerous attitudes and behaviours towards suntanning.
Members of our Seniors Discount Club, we know you care deeply about the health and well-being of your families, especially the younger generations. It's essential to have open conversations about the dangers of sun exposure and to lead by example. Encourage your loved ones to embrace sun safety and understand that true beauty doesn't come at the cost of their health.
Credit: TikTok
