If there’s one thing Gen Z refuses to do, it’s roast under the sun just to get that golden glow. And honestly? Who can blame them.
Gone are the days of sunbathing for hours with baby oil and regrets. This summer, Gen Z is all in on bronzed skin — but without the UV drama. They’ve traded in tanning beds and sunburns for something smarter: SPF-infused bronzers and sunless glow drops that deliver radiance without roasting.
What this glow-up trend is actually about
The safe tan hack is simple. This trend blends sun protection with instant glow — think lightweight tints, mousse formulas, and body bronzers that don’t fry your skin cells along the way.
You’ll see it everywhere on TikTok: swipe-on glow sticks, tan drops that mix into your moisturizer, and sheer bronzing sprays that deliver vacation skin in five seconds flat. And yes, it’s giving golden hour, but make it derm-approved.
The beauty of this trend is that it’s not just about looking good for summer. It’s about making smart choices that protect your skin while still serving the bronzed goddess aesthetic everyone wants.
Why Gen Z is ditching traditional tanning
This generation is wellness-obsessed and way more informed about skin health than past decades. Here’s what’s pushing the shift:
Skin cancer awareness is up, especially among young adults with fair or sun-sensitive skin. Hyperpigmentation and sun damage hit harder for melanin-rich skin tones, making sun protection even more crucial.
Social media has made wearing SPF cool, not corny. Plus, who has time to sunbathe when you’re juggling content creation, side gigs and elaborate skincare routines?
Basically, Gen Z wants the look — not the long-term consequences. They’ve seen what sun damage does to skin over time, and they’re not here for it.
SPF beauty products are having a moment
Brands are catching on fast. Supergoop!, Coco & Eve, and smaller indie labels are dropping bronzers with SPF, glow oils with UVA/UVB protection, and “glowy skin drops” that fake the sun-kissed vibe without baking you.
Even body makeup is getting a glow-up. TikTok influencers are layering tinted body blur with SPF sprays to serve looks and protection — because sun damage? Not this summer.
The innovation happening in this space is wild. You’ve got everything from gradual tanning serums to bronzing primers that give you that lit-from-within glow while keeping your skin safe.
How to get in on the safe glow movement
If you’re ready to glow without regret, here’s what you need:
SPF-infused bronzing drops work perfectly when you add a few to your daily lotion. Tinted sunscreen sticks are great for cheekbones, shoulders and décolletage. Gradual tanning lotions give you that buildable bronze without streaks or drama.
Bronzing body oil with SPF lets you shine and shield in one step. The key is finding products that multitask so you’re not layering 15 different things just to leave the house.
Word to the wise: if your glow product doesn’t include SPF 30 or higher, layer a broad-spectrum sunscreen underneath. Glow should never come at the cost of protection.
This trend is bigger than just beauty
No tan is worth risking your skin for. And with these glow-getter products, you don’t have to. Gen Z figured it out — you can fake it, protect it, and still shine all summer.
So toss the tanning oil and keep your melanin magic safe. This summer’s hottest glow comes in a bottle, and your future self will thank you for making the smart choice. The bronzed look you want is totally achievable without the UV damage you definitely don’t need.
