That's me in 2016, holding the baby who just told me her friends are "laying out to get tan." She's ten now.
Wait… We're Doing This Again?
When TODAY Show correspondent Vicky Nguyen recently shared a story about the growing trend of teens intentionally tanning and "laying out," I had the same reaction as a lot of millennial moms — especially after the conversation I'd just had at home.
Over the weekend, my ten-year-old daughter (yes, the baby I'm holding in this cover photo back in 2016) told me her friends — also age ten — were heading to the pool to "lay out and get tan." Huh, I thought to myself. And then, like clockwork, a few days later the Vicky Nguyen story popped up in my feed and it all made sense.
Tanning is trending… for tweens!?!?
Wait… we're doing this again?
Maybe it's because we dabbled during our own teenage years, baking in the sun with baby oil. Maybe it's because we've spent the last decade investing in skincare, SPF, facials, and anti-aging products. Or maybe it's because, after years of hearing dermatologists warn about sun damage, wrinkles, and skin cancer, intentionally laying in the sun for hours feels like the beauty equivalent of using a flip phone.
Don't get me wrong, I completely understand wanting that healthy summer glow. I just prefer to get mine from a bottle, a foam, or now tanning water.
"While social media trends come and go, your skin has to last a lifetime."
Team Sunless Tanner Forever
At Savvy Sleepers, we're all about beauty that works smarter, not harder.
While social media trends come and go, your skin has to last a lifetime.
That's why our founder has always been a huge fan of sunless tanner. Today's formulas are incredible compared to the streaky self-tanners many of us experimented with years ago. You can achieve a beautiful, natural-looking glow without exposing your skin to hours of harmful UV rays.
And if I'm being completely honest… my love for self-tanner inspired one of Savvy Sleepers' most underrated products.
Meet the Savvy LBD
While everyone knows us for our satin pillowcases, one of my favorite products is still the Savvy LBD, the one we affectionately call our "Getting Ready Dress."
Here's why. If you've ever applied self-tanner, you know the awkward waiting period that follows. You're trying not to sit down. You're trying not to ruin your clothes. You're walking around the house wondering what to wear while everything dries.
The Savvy LBD was designed for exactly that moment. Layer on your favorite sunless tanner, slip into the Savvy LBD, and go about your day while your tan develops.
- Answer emails.
- Make lunch.
- Fold laundry.
- Help the kids with homework.
- Do your makeup.
- Pour yourself a coffee.
- Actually enjoy your morning.
Made from an ultra-soft Modal and Lycra blend, the Savvy LBD is comfortable, flattering, machine washable, and designed for life's less glamorous moments. Because running around in a towel isn't always practical when you're juggling work, kids, pets, house guests, and real life.
Trust me on this one.
A Few of Our Favorite Tanning Secrets
Since we're already talking about self-tanner, here are a few of our favorite tricks:
Exfoliate First
A smooth canvas helps create a more even application and longer-lasting results.
Moisturize Dry Areas
Pay special attention to elbows, knees, hands, and feet before applying self-tanner.
Wear Loose Clothing
The less friction while your tan develops, the better. (See: the Savvy LBD.)
Sleep on Satin
After your tan has fully developed, sleeping on a satin pillowcase helps reduce friction on both hair and skin.
Don't Rush the Drying Process
This is where the Savvy LBD truly shines — give your tan time to set while staying comfortable and covered. Short on time? Reach for a tanning water foam: it goes on clear and starts developing color within a couple of hours.
The Real Summer Glow-Up
While the tanning trend may be making a comeback, this millennial mom will continue reaching for SPF, oversized hats, and a trusted bottle of self-tanner.
Because the best beauty routine isn't about chasing trends. It's about taking care of yourself.
Healthy skin. Healthy hair. Better sleep. A little confidence boost. That's the kind of glow we're after.
And if you need us, we'll be over here in our Savvy LBD, waiting for our self-tanner to dry.
Glow gently, sleep beautifully.
— Dale Janée