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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I know it's bad for you and can cause real health problems but bloody hell, aibu to think everyone looks better with a suntan?

248 replies

Eeepsh · 08/08/2024 17:59

Just that really!

OP posts:
biscuitcat · 08/08/2024 18:08

I think it probably depends on if your undertone is warm or cool - I'm cool and look odd with a tan, I suit being pale much better!
Nothing yellow/gold looks brilliant on me, so it makes sense that a tan doesn't either.

Longhotsummers · 08/08/2024 18:08

I just can’t tan but wish I could have at least a pale golden tan. My 4 siblings all have skin that tans easily but I go bluish white to red to pink and back to white. I still have skin damage though from a childhood with no suncream in a warm country.

Xmasbaby11 · 08/08/2024 18:07

I agree for a lot of people! I have light brown hair annd blue eyes, tan easily and look slimmer, healthier and less tired. I am v careful and only get a light tan but it does make a difference.

toomanytonotice · 08/08/2024 18:07

No. I think people look awful tanned.

was away last week and the tanned women by the pool just looked like leather curing.

i also hate tan lines and being able to see the beautiful natural skin colour contrasting with the damaged skin.

i much prefer pale skin.

Fizzadora · 08/08/2024 18:06

I'm a ginger (well faded strawberry blonde now) and I look loads better with a tan.
It's out of a bottle mind. I rarely venture out of the shade.

TeenLifeMum · 08/08/2024 18:06

I look so much better with a tan. Face looks brighter and eye bags less obvious. I used factor 30 lots, no burning or peeling just a lovely tan. (Just got back from the Canary Islands).

AmiablePedant · 08/08/2024 18:06

And the people who are only able to burn and/or turn lobster red? I suspect a lot of sandy-haired Scots out there will be rolling their eyes at your generalization!.

Qwertylife · 08/08/2024 18:06

Nope, nothing better looking about damaged skin

MirrorMirror1247 · 08/08/2024 18:05

I'm incredibly pale with dark hair and dark features, and happy that way. I've been known to tan slightly when I've been abroad but I'd never go out of my way to tan. Skin cancer doesn't sound fun and sun damaged skin just doesn't look nice.

Comedycook · 08/08/2024 18:05

I saw on holiday some red headed children who were absolutely burnt to a crisp...red raw. I silently fumed...so irresponsible.

Turnitoffnonagain · 08/08/2024 18:05

Agreed, but years later I have an annoying assortment of splotches, marks and lumpy moley things which are sun damage. Fortunately up to now nothing nasty, but I really wish I had been less of a sun worshipper in my youth.

Beth216 · 08/08/2024 18:04

Attitudes changed in the 1920's I believe, before that you'd have been desperate to be pale. Tans were for peasants.

Comedycook · 08/08/2024 18:04

For me, yes. Just back from Greece and have a tan. I feel amazing! I did actually use factor 50, didn't burn for once and wore a rash vest when swimming for long periods. I didn't actually try to tan.

AbraAbraCadabra · 08/08/2024 18:04

I agree. I can't tan at all and probably would even if I could due to sun damage and skin cancer risk, but my lovely cleaner just got back from holiday and looks fabulous!!! 😀☀️😀Tans can cover up a whole multitude of sins.

OpenBox · 08/08/2024 18:03

Agreed!

I look better, healthier, and thinner

spuddy4 · 08/08/2024 18:03

Completely agree. My eyes and teeth look brighter with a tan 😂

devildeepbluesea · 08/08/2024 18:02

Totally agree in my own case. Dark hair (augmented these days), olive skin. I look like someone dug me up in winter.

MoltenLasagne · 08/08/2024 18:02

I wear Suncream constantly and yet I still think I look better with a tan

BigBurrata · 08/08/2024 18:02

I sure do.

XenoBitch · 08/08/2024 18:02

Nah. A sun tan is a sign of skin damage.

Peonies12 · 08/08/2024 18:01

Nothing is worse risking your skin for

CautionaryTaleGirl · 08/08/2024 18:01

As a redhead, no. I would look ridiculous.

bryceQ · 08/08/2024 18:01

Mmm i think you can have beautiful skin tones in every shade. The Nicole Kidman type look wouldn't look better tanned.