Tanmaxxing Is Back and Dermatologists Are Horrified: The Gen Z Skin Cancer Wave

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Tanmaxxing is the latest Gen Z viral trend, and dermatologists are already seeing the results. Dr. Mary Alice Mina is joined by board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Whitney Hovenic from Reno, Nevada, co-founder of the Gen Z sunscreen brand SPOOGE. They talk about why skin cancer patients in their 20s and early 30s are now an everyday sight in clinic, and why the base tan is a myth (it gives you roughly SPF 2 to 4). They also explain how one blistering sunburn doubles your melanoma risk and why tanning beds are making a comeback near college campuses and in gyms. You'll hear what actually gets through to teens: vanity beats fear, the aim is simply not to burn, and the best sunscreen is the one you'll wear. Along the way they share their own tanning regrets and Mohs surgery stories, and cover how much SPF you really get from a typical application, string bikini tan lines, spray tans, morning sun and vitamin D, snow and altitude exposure, and why lasers can't erase sun damage on the chest, neck and legs.

In this episode:

0:00 — Why Skin Cancer Patients Are Getting Younger

1:35 — What Is Tan Maxing? Meet Dr. Whitney Hovenic

4:09 — Spring Break Sunburns and the Return of Tanning

6:21 — How to Get Through to Gen Z: Just Don't Burn

9:02 — Self-Tanners, Sunscreen Habits and Skin Cancer in Your 20s

11:09 — Dermatology as Prevention: Sunscreen Cuts Melanoma Risk in Half

12:21 — The Base Tan Myth and Why Tanning Beds Are Coffins

13:57 — Even Dermatologists Get Burned

15:46 — Why Tinted Sunscreen Changes Everything

19:20 — How Much SPF Are You Really Getting?

20:43 — Rash Guards, Thong Bikinis and the Butt Melanoma Warning

24:40 — Tan Lines as Accessories and the Spray Tan Glow Up

26:50 — Tanning Beds Are Back and Lasers Can't Undo the Damage

31:02 — Coco Chanel, Beauty Standards and Why Skin Cancer Is Rising

33:10 — When Skin Cancer Isn't Treatable

33:59 — Vitamin D, Morning Sun, Altitude and Snow

37:15 — Final Advice and SPOOGE Sunscreen

Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out!

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About the Guest:

Dr. Whitney Hovenic is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon with a background in public health and a passion for advocacy. She has held leadership roles in multiple dermatology societies and proudly served as the founder and past president of the Nevada Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, where she has worked to advocate for patients and the dermatology community alike. She works frequently with the American Academy of dermatology, the American Society of dermatology, surgery, and the skin cancer foundation on advocacy and health access. As a mom to Gen Z and Gen Alpha girls—and a surgeon who regularly treats patients in their 20s and 30s with skin cancer—Dr. Hovenic has seen firsthand how tough it is to get younger generations to take sun protection seriously. That’s why she co-created Spooge: a skincare brand built to cut through the noise with smart products, a strong mission, and a sense of humor. The goal? Help young people protect their skin today so there’s less skin cancer to treat tomorrow—while also improving access to life-saving skin checks along the way.

Connect with Dr. Whitney Hovenic:

Website: https://www.spooge.co

Instagram: @spgskin

TikTok: @drwhitneyhovenic

About the Host:

Dr. Mina is a board-certified dermatologist on a mission to cut through the noise and help women feel amazing in their skin again. After decades in clinic, she has taken her expertise online to offer trusted, no-fluff education and skin strategies that actually work. No filters. No fear tactics. Just science, simplicity, and a little fun!

Follow Dr. Mina here: Instagram: https://instagram.com/drminaskin Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/

Visit The Skin Real Serenbe: https://theskinrealserenbe.com/