Gen Z Is Using the UV Index to Find the Best Times to Tan — Here’s Why That’s a Really Bad IdeaBy Dr. Kendall Egan, MD | Board-Certified Dermatologist in Las Vegas, NevadaLas Vegas Integrative Dermat
- k westeastcoast
- May 23
- 2 min read
In a city with 300+ days of sunshine a year, it's no surprise that tanning culture is huge in Las Vegas. But a new trend among Gen Z has local dermatologists worried: using the UV index to “safely” tan.
Social media is full of advice telling young people to tan when the UV index is at its peak—but this isn’t sun safety. It’s a shortcut to skin damage, skin cancer, and accelerated aging.
🌞 What Is the UV Index, Really?
The UV Index isn’t a tanning tool—it’s a public health warning system developed to help people in sun-intense climates like Las Vegas protect themselves from harmful radiation.
UV 3+ = enough to start causing DNA damage
UV 6+ (common in Henderson and Summerlin) = damage within minutes
Here in the Mojave Desert, it’s not uncommon to see UV indexes of 9, 10, or even 11+ during spring and summer.
The Hidden Dangers of “Safe” Tanning in Las Vegas
There’s No Such Thing as a Safe TanEven if you don’t burn, tanning damages your skin at a cellular level. This leads to:
Melanoma
Basal cell carcinoma
Premature wrinkles and sunspots
Las Vegas Is a UV Hotspot. Our dry desert climate and elevation mean UV rays are more intense. Many people in Summerlin and Henderson think they're safe just because they tan gradually—but the damage is cumulative.
Skin Cancer in Young Adults Is Rising. We’re seeing melanoma in patients in their 20s and 30s—often those who tanned in high school and college. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Nevada.
Tanning Ages You—Fast. Looking for a “glow”? The trade-off is early wrinkles, rough texture, sagging, and hyperpigmentation. At Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology, we help patients restore their skin—but prevention is always better than repair.
🌟 Safer Alternatives for a Vegas Glow
Want that healthy look without the damage?
Try a spray tan or self-tanner—today’s formulas are streak-free and natural-looking.
Use a tinted SPF 50 mineral sunscreen
Consider microneedling, chemical peels, or brightening facial products to enhance skin tone without UV exposure.
👩⚕️ What Dr. Kendall Egan Recommends
As a board-certified dermatologist in Las Vegas, I urge every teen and young adult to stop chasing tans and start protecting their future skin. Whether you live in Henderson, Summerlin, or downtown Las Vegas, you’re at higher risk just by living here.
🧴 Wear SPF 30+ daily🕶 Avoid peak UV hours (10 AM – 4 PM)👀 Get yearly skin checks from a dermatologist.
📍 Las Vegas Integrative Dermatology – We’re Here to Help
Located in the heart of Las Vegas and serving Summerlin, Henderson, and surrounding communities, we offer:
✔️ Full-body skin exams✔️ Expert evaluation of moles and sunspots✔️ Acne, eczema, rosacea & anti-aging care✔️ Integrative and traditional dermatology✔️ No insurance required – transparent pricing
📞 Call: 702-930-6441🌐 Book online: www.lasvegasintegrativedermatology.com📍 Located near Summerlin Hospital
💬 “The best dermatologist in Las Vegas! I travel from Henderson just to see Dr. Egan. She takes the time to explain everything and really listens.” – Patient Review