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  • The Return of the Tan Line: A Trend We Shouldn’t Revive

You might’ve noticed those sharp, deep tan lines proudly displayed like a badge of honour creeping back into your feed.. Maybe it's the bikini strap outline, the watch tan, or someone joking about their “sunburn stripes” as a summer vibe.

We get it. There’s a certain nostalgic, throwback energy to tan lines. They remind us of long days at the beach, backyard cricket, and forgetting to reapply sunscreen while floating in the pool. But here’s the thing, just because something feels like part of the Aussie summer doesn’t mean it’s good for us.

Unfortunately, the rise of hashtags like #sunburnttanlines is giving a bit too much airtime to what is, in reality, a sign of sun damage.

Let’s Talk About What a Tan Line Really Means

Tan lines happen when parts of your skin are protected from UV rays (like under swimmers or clothing), while other areas cop the full brunt of the sun. But here’s the kicker: any tan is a sign of damage.

Your body produces melanin (that’s what makes your skin go darker) as a defence mechanism. It’s your skin trying to protect itself from further UV harm.

So, that bronze shoulder glow? It’s not health. It’s your skin waving a little white flag.

Even one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence can more than double your risk of melanoma later in life. Scary stuff.

Heres what your tan lines are really telling you:

  • "I wasn’t wearing enough sunscreen"
  • "I stayed out way too long without reapplying"
  • "I exposed my skin to unnecessary risk"

And while we’d never tell you to cancel your beach day or avoid the sunshine altogether (we love the outdoors too!), it’s all about smarter sun habits.

The Myth of the “Healthy Glow”

The idea that tanned skin = healthy skin? It’s a total myth. That glow you’re chasing? It’s your skin trying to repair itself. And over time, repeated tanning leads to premature ageing, sun spots, wrinkles, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Luckily, there’s a better way to get your glow on - natural self-tanners, bronzing serums, or even a good body oil for that luminous sheen, minus the UV exposure. Your skin can look sun-kissed without getting sun-scorched.

So, What Can We Do Instead?

Here’s our take: ditch the trends that glamorise burns and start celebrating protected skin. 

✔️ Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen (SPF 30+ or higher)
✔️ Apply it generously (most people don’t use enough)
✔️ Reapply every two hours, or straight after swimming/sweating
✔️ Layer up, shirts, hats, sunnies and shade are your friends
 ✔️ Start young! Teach kids that protection is powerful

Let’s Make Protected Skin the Trend

We created Little Urchin because we wanted to protect what we love - our families, our oceans, and our skin. 

At the end of the day, sun care doesn’t have to be serious or boring. It just has to work.

So next time you see a post showing off dramatic tan lines, take it as your cue to slip, slop, slap, and know you’re doing your skin a favour that’ll last long after summer ends.

 





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