Going into the warmer months, the question you’re most likely to hear is, “What’s the UV today?” Teens today seem to be obsessed with all things tanning related, whether that be in the form of sun, tanning beds, tanning lotions, or spray tans.

Ashlynn Price, in particular, is known for tanning often, “I love tanning; it’s my whole personality.” She, in fact, loves tanning so much that she’s willing to tan no matter the weather, “I was laying down on a sled in my bathing suit because the UV was high, there was still snow on the ground. I’ve tanned in pretty much any weather you can imagine.” Price won’t even let social responsibilities stop her from tanning and stated, “Sometimes, I even call off work and used to check out of school to tan.”

However, her twin, Amayia Price, does not see much of a point in tanning and said, “Tanning is hot, boring, and I don’t see the point. You should put on sunscreen and stay inside.”

Leila Ibrahim also enjoys tanning and said she prefers tanning by, “laying on my trampoline.” She believes the reason for the tanning craze is simply because “people just don’t like the feeling of being pale.” 

Rylee Tune has tried every method of tanning possible, but she most often uses the tanning bed. “I use the tanning bed every single day.” However, she stated, “I prefer to tan outside because I can lay longer.” When using the tanning bed, Tune said, “I use my mom’s tanning lotion from like 12 years ago.” 

Delaney West said her preferred method of tanning is “sitting in a tanning chair with a fan blowing air on my face, so I don’t have a heat stroke.” She also emphasized that, “Everyone should tan because it’s therapeutic, and everyone looks better tan.”

In general, the tanning craze seems to have no reason behind it other than the benefit teens believe it has on their appearance. Whether potential skin cancer and other damaging effects are worth the benefits is still up for debate. Ashlynn Price stated, “I’m going to look good now and deal with the effects later.”