Golden Hour Goals: South Africa’s Summer Tan Obsession
Summer in South Africa brings with it the familiar chase for that perfect bronze glow. From Clifton Beach in Cape Town to Ballito along the KZN North Coast, locals and tourists alike are embracing everything from tan maxxing to UV chasing, seeking the sun-kissed look social media feeds are flooded with.
Whether it’s pre-honeymoon brides, fitness competitors, or beachgoers, the pursuit of an even, radiant tan has become a cultural moment, with many looking to replicate the flawless bronzed skin of influencers and celebrities.
Tan Maxxing: Building the Ultimate Bronze
The hottest trend online right now? Tan maxxing. Unlike traditional sunbathing, tan maxxing focuses on achieving a deep, rich bronze using layers of self-tanning products—mousses, sprays, drops, and bronzing lotions.
Darelle Gardner of Colour Rush Salon in Sunninghill explains:
“Clients come in already layered with two rounds of self-tan at home and still want a spray on top. When the skin is hydrated and prepped, it can look amazing, but it’s easy to overdo it. Dryness, patchiness, and an unnatural tone are common pitfalls.”
The results are instant but fleeting, lasting about a week as the skin naturally sheds. While the trend is cosmetic rather than harmful, psychologists warn of a hidden risk.
Dr Jonathan Redelinghuys notes:
“The danger isn’t physical here. It’s psychological. Tan maxxing can create a cycle where someone feels uncomfortable in their natural skin tone, constantly chasing a deeper shade, which can feed body image concerns.”
UV Chasing: Timing the Sun
For those preferring the authentic sun-kissed route, UV chasing is the method of choice. This involves monitoring the UV index and planning exposure to maximize color while attempting to minimize burning.
“Some clients treat it like a workout schedule, timing their sunbathing around the highest UV readings,” says Gardner.
But caution is essential. Dr Redelinghuys warns:
“There’s no such thing as a safe UV tan. Even controlled exposure causes cumulative damage, increasing skin cancer risk, accelerating ageing, and leading to pigmentation issues. Planning doesn’t remove the danger.”
All-Over Bronze: From Beach to Bed
The ultimate summer trend combines the two approaches: full-body tanning, often including nude sunbathing or tanning beds, to achieve an even, line-free glow. Gardner notes this is particularly popular among those going on island holidays or preparing for high-profile events.
“People want a tan that’s seamless—no lines, no patches,” she says. “It’s about confidence in swimwear and feeling polished from head to toe.”
Dr Redelinghuys points out the social media influence behind this trend:
“Appearance ideals are constantly shifting. People feel pressure to look perfect everywhere. When it drives excessive exposure or unsafe product use, it becomes a health concern.”
Safe Sun: Balancing Glow with Health
Experts agree that while the appeal of a tan is understandable, safety should come first.
“A tan can boost confidence and make people feel good,” Gardner says. “But prep and hydration are key. Healthy skin should never be sacrificed for color.”
Dr Redelinghuys adds:
“The skin is the body’s largest organ and first line of defense. Enjoy your tan if you choose, but always balance appearance goals with health. Never skip sunblock, and avoid excessive UV exposure.”
This summer, South Africans are embracing bold tanning trends, from tan maxxing and UV chasing to full-body bronzing. The key? Enjoy the glow, but respect your skin. Confidence shines brighter when your health comes first.
Source: The Citizen
Featured Image: Pexels
