As temperatures rise and summer approaches, tanning in all its forms becomes a popular trend among some students at WHS. From spending afternoons or school lunches outside in the sun to preparing for prom with spray tans and self-tanner, many students see sun-kissed skin as a part of the season’s aesthetic.

   For some, tanning is less about intentional sun exposure and more about enjoying warm weather.

   “I love when I get a tan from playing soccer or swimming,” said sophomore Jaime Hawkes. “I feel like it gives the perfect summer vibe.”

   Others add on to this love for getting a summer tan, saying they go outside with the intention to get some sun

   “I love to tan, it’s definitely my favorite part of the summer,” said senior Mia Tennyson. “I love to go to the beach to work on my tan, I think everyone does.”

   While some find getting a tan without really trying to be a natural part of their outdoor activities, others have to be careful due to different skin types.

  “I like to tan,” said junior Maggie Gray. “But I do tend to burn if I don’t put enough sunscreen on.”

   For those who enjoy tanning during days with high UV levels, most are aware of the importance of protecting themselves from potential sun risks using sunscreen.    

   “When the UV’s really high, I usually go outside,” junior Sofia Frangoulidis said. “I don’t really burn, but I do use sunscreen, especially on my face.”

   Despite loving basking in the rays while also being sure to protect their skin with sunscreen, students also admitted that sunscreen reapplication is inconsistent when they are tanning for extended periods of time.

   “I always put sunscreen on in the beginning, though I always forget to reapply,” said sophomore Bea Kickham.

   Certain people also feel that tanning can be more complicated for them because some students burn more easily.

   “I think maybe it’s because I’m ginger,” said Kickham. “I do get a little tan, but I definitely burn a little bit too, and it hurts.”

   Even though tanning trends might be on the rise, the concerns about burning and long term skin damage still remain in the backs of some students’ minds.

   “My mom always reminds me of the risks of skin cancer when I think about not applying sunscreen,” said Toure.

   “So I always try to put it on when I can, even if I forget most of the time.”

  According to the Skin Cancer Foundation (www.skincancer.org), “Tanning damages skin, speeds aging, and increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, by 100%. It’s a fact: there is no such thing as a safe or healthy tan. Your best defense is to avoid tanning altogether.”

  Research makes it clear that even teens need to consider the risks of tanning, though many choose to ignore it.

   “I probably should be more afraid of it,” Kickham said. “But I feel like you should live while you’re young.”

  Despite the known risks, tanning continues to be a consistent summer staple. For these students, tanning is a significant part of how they spend their free time in the summer.

   “I love the way tanning makes me feel,” said sophomore Alima Toure. “One of my favorite hobbies is to go outside in my backyard with some water and a book.”

   Prom season also increases conversations around tanning, and while some students prefer natural tanning, others are turning to alternatives to achieve a specific look before formal events.

   “I am getting a spray tan,” Gray said. “I think how a spray tan turns out definitely can make or break a prom look.”

   Others have never tried self-tanning products because they worry about making mistakes.

   “I would be scared that I would mess up and it would look uneven or I would turn orange,” said Kickham.

   The connection between tanning culture and social media has become more apparent as students note that platforms such as Instagram and Tiktok have increased pressure to maintain particular beauty standards, especially during the summer months.

   “I think [social media] has made people want to tan more,” Kickham said. “It’s just all the beauty standards online.”

   While dedicated time lying in the sun may be the norm for some, incidental tanning that develops while enjoying other outdoor activities is more the reason why some students will return to school in September with a change in skin tone.

   “I’m always outside so I am bound to get a tan,” said Hawkes. “I more see it as something that just happens to my skin over time compared to something I aim to develop over the summer.”