Many Kate Hudson fans would follow her to the ends of the Earth, as anyone who listens to her podcast Sibling Revelry knows, she has a lot of sage advice. However, in a recent post on social media the actress pointed out that the not-so-healthy trend of getting a natural tan may be on the rise after being stuck indoors during quarantine. And while laying out and absorbing the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause a myriad of concerns—including sunburns, premature aging, skin cancer and sun damage—that didn’t stop other celebrities from confessing about their dalliances with the sun, too.
“I’m not saying this is healthy or the right thing to do but is it just me or is everyone tanning like it’s 1982?!,” wrote Hudson. She then asked followers to confess using emojis about whether or not they’ve had their moment in the sun recently too.
Fashion stylist Rachel Zoe came in with a an, “I am of course.” Paris Hilton came through with a fire emoji to show her love for sunbathing and Gwyneth Paltrow confessed to frequent sun worshipping with, “I know I am whooooops.”
Despite the fun exchanges, many commenters were not impressed. “Worst thing you can do for your skin,” wrote one follower. “Melanoma is one of the deadliest cancers there is and to mess with tanning is ridiculous! Spray tan ladies.”
Not to be left out of the conversation, the good doctors at the American Academy of Dermatology took it all in good stride and chimed in with their expert advice on getting a healthy summer glow, without the side of sun damage: “Tanning increases the risk of developing skin cancer and contributes to premature skin aging. In fact, UV exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. If you want the look of a tan, use a self-tanner to give you a summertime glow” without damaging your skin.”
Miami dermatologist Dr. Deborah Longwill also cautions against the throwback trend. “I don’t recommend tanning,” says the skin care expert. “If I know my patients will be doing so anyways I advise them to apply and reapply their sunscreen throughout the day and wear appropriate protection like a hat and sunglasses, etc. I am all for having fun outside but always with protection!”
