Kristin Cavallari has once again found herself at the centre of a heated sunscreen debate.
The reality star sparked fresh controversy after sharing a video of her post-sun skincare routine while sporting a visibly red face, neck and chest, reigniting concerns about the growing glamourisation of tanning culture online.
The former Laguna Beach star, 39, posted the clip to Instagram while on vacation, telling followers she had ‘been in the sun all day’ before walking them through her favourite products from her skincare brand, Uncommon James.
‘Extra hydration for sun-kissed skin,’ she captioned the clip, as she applied antioxidant serums, moisturisers and eye masks to skin that appeared noticeably sunburnt.
But rather than drawing praise from beauty fans, the post has sparked fresh criticism from those who argue the reality star is sending a dangerous message at a time when tanning trends continue to thrive across social media.
The controversy is particularly notable given Cavallari’s well-publicised stance on sunscreen.
In 2024, she caused uproar after revealing on her Let’s Be Honest podcast that she doesn’t wear SPF, prompting widespread concern from dermatologists who challenged claims that diet, antioxidants or gradually building up sun exposure could protect skin from UV damage.
Among those weighing in were longtime beauty journalists and industry experts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan, hosts of the popular US beauty podcast Gloss Angeles.
Reality star Kristin Cavallari, 39 (pictured), has sparked fresh controversy after sharing a video of her post-sun skincare routine while sporting a visibly red face, neck and chest, reigniting concerns about the growing glamorisation of tanning culture online
The former Laguna Beach star, posted the clip while on vacation, telling followers she had ‘been in the sun all day’ before walking them through her favourite products from her skincare brand, Uncommon James
In a segment discussing Cavallari’s latest video, Johnson said she couldn’t decide whether the post was ‘rage bait’ or whether Cavallari simply didn’t care about the criticism.
Johnson compared the contradiction to bleaching your hair blonde before washing it with brunette colour shampoo.
‘You’re defeating the purpose,’ she said.
The pair also expressed concern that Cavallari’s enormous influence could encourage followers to dismiss sunscreen altogether.
‘It’s very dangerous. She has a huge following and she’s extremely influential.’
Interestingly, much of the backlash online wasn’t directed at Cavallari, but at the podcast hosts themselves.
Some accused the pair of being overly critical and labelled their comments ‘mean-girl’ behaviour.
‘She looks amazing. I agree with her and what works for some may not work for all. This is giving #meangirls,’ one person wrote in Cavallari’s defence.
Among those weighing in were longtime beauty experts Kirbie Johnson (pictured) and Sara Tan, hosts of the popular US beauty podcast Gloss Angeles who have branded Cavallari’s tanning influence as ‘very dangerous’
Another defended Cavallari’s lifestyle, saying she ‘takes better care of herself than anyone making a comment’ and noting that she exercises regularly, eats well and naturally tans easily.
The renewed debate comes amid growing concern from skin cancer experts about the resurgence of tanning culture among younger generations.
Last year, the hashtag #SunburntTanLines amassed more than 200 million views on TikTok, with users deliberately exposing themselves to high levels of UV radiation to create visible tan lines.
Cancer Council Australia previously warned that such trends risk normalising dangerous sun exposure, noting that a tan is not a sign of health but evidence of skin damage.
Experts also warn that UV damage accumulates over time, even when the effects are not immediately visible.
According to Brittany Tosich, National Education Manager at SILK Laser Clinics Australia, much of the messaging surrounding tanning remains dangerously misunderstood.
Interestingly, much of the backlash online wasn’t directed at Cavallari, but at the podcast hosts themselves. Some accused the pair of being overly critical and labelled their comments ‘mean-girl’ behaviour
‘While everyone is entitled to make their own choices, it’s important that conversations around sun exposure are grounded in evidence rather than personal anecdotes,’ she told Daily Mail.
‘We know from decades of research that ultraviolet radiation is the leading environmental cause of premature skin ageing and a major risk factor for skin cancer.’
Brittany said many people mistakenly believe they can tan safely if they don’t burn.
‘A tan is actually the skin’s response to DNA damage caused by UV radiation,’ she explained.
‘Whether the skin becomes darker, redder or appears to tan without burning, the underlying process is still a protective and reactive response to injury.’
‘There is no such thing as a ‘healthy’ or ‘safe tan’ from a skin health perspective, aside from a fake tan.’
What sun damage really does to your skin
The renewed debate comes amid growing concern from skin cancer experts. Last year, the hashtag #SunburntTanLines amassed more than 200 million views on TikTok, with users deliberately exposing themselves to high levels of UV radiation to create visible tan lines
Join the discussion
Should celebrities share skincare routines that go against medical advice, or does that risk public health?
While many people focus on wrinkles and pigmentation, Brittany said the consequences of repeated UV exposure run much deeper.
‘UV radiation accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin, the structural proteins responsible for keeping skin firm, smooth and resilient,’ she said.
‘Over time this contributes to fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, uneven skin tone, rough texture, visible blood vessels and loss of elasticity.’
Beyond cosmetic concerns, she said cumulative sun exposure can increase the risk of precancerous lesions and skin cancers, including melanoma.
The anti-ageing product experts swear by
Despite the booming skincare market and endless promises from serums and treatments, Brittany said one product continues to stand above the rest.
‘Daily sunscreen use helps prevent collagen degradation, pigmentation changes and many of the visible signs associated with photo-ageing.’
‘While no product can completely stop the ageing process, sunscreen remains one of the most effective and well-supported anti-ageing interventions available.’
And while ingredients such as retinoids, antioxidants and peptides can help improve existing damage, they cannot undo years of UV exposure.
‘These interventions are trying to repair damage that has already occurred,’ Tosich said.
‘Sunscreen is still the single most important step because it helps prevent ongoing damage in the first place. When it comes to skin health, prevention will always be more effective than correction.’
