At his Senate confirmation hearing for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared as the embodiment of American health—fit, charismatic, and, most notably, deeply tanned, as reported by The Washington Post. While his political stances and family controversies took center stage, his striking tan served as a reminder of the ongoing debate over what it means to look and be healthy.

Historically, tan skin has been associated with vitality and an active lifestyle, a trend popularized by Coco Chanel in the 1920s. Despite modern concerns about sun exposure, tanning remains a visual cue of well-being. Columnist Rachel Tashjian’s impression of RFK Jr.’s tan suggests that the perception of a healthy glow still holds strong in American culture.

As trends in wellness continue to evolve, the allure of bronzed skin persists, proving that a tan still signifies a life well-lived.

Click here to access the article from The Washington Post (paywall).