If you’ve seen Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on a debate stage or caught a clip of him hiking in the desert lately, one thing probably jumped out at you before he even said a word. It isn't just the raspy voice or the intense stare. It’s the skin. He’s dark. Like, deep-bronze, just-stepped-off-a-yacht-in-the-Mediterranean dark.
Naturally, people are curious. The internet is basically a giant forum asking: why is RFK Jr so tan all year round?
Some think it’s just the byproduct of a guy who loves the outdoors. Others suspect a bottle of spray tan or maybe a high-end tanning bed tucked away in a basement. Honestly, the answer is a bit of a mix. It’s a combination of a legit obsession with sunlight, some controversial lifestyle choices, and a specific "look" that has become part of his political brand.
The "Make America Healthy Again" Glow
RFK Jr. isn't exactly shy about his health habits. He’s the face of the "MAHA" (Make America Healthy Again) movement, and for him, looking healthy is part of the job description. In his world, a deep tan isn't seen as sun damage; it’s seen as a sign of vitality.
During his confirmation hearings for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) in early 2025, commentators noticed he looked strikingly different from the typical pale, fluorescent-lit DC politician. He looked... well, cooked.
It's Not Just the Sun
While he spends a massive amount of time outside, he’s actually admitted to using tanning beds. This is where things get a little weird for the nation’s top health official.
- The Tanning Bed Admission: In late 2024 and early 2025, Kennedy was pressed about his habits. He told The Atlantic that people shouldn't necessarily copy everything he does. He mentioned nicotine and tanning beds specifically as "vices."
- The Sighting: There were even reports and videos circulating of him leaving a Palm Beach Tan location on Connecticut Avenue in Washington, D.C.
- The Philosophy: He’s been vocal about "sunlight suppression." He’s argued on podcasts like Theo Von’s that humans are like plants—we need the sun to function. He basically views the FDA’s warnings about sun exposure as a "war on sunshine."
For Kennedy, the tan is a visual middle finger to what he calls "the establishment" health advice. While most doctors are screaming about SPF 50 and melanoma, RFK Jr. is out there soaking up UVA rays like it's his job.
A Life Lived Outdoors (In Jeans)
You can't talk about why is RFK Jr so tan without mentioning his actual hobbies. The guy is 71 but lives like a 25-year-old fitness influencer.
He’s constantly outdoors. But he does it his own way.
Remember that viral photo of him hiking Camelback Mountain in Phoenix? It was over 100 degrees. Most people were in tech-wicking shorts and tanks. RFK Jr.? He was in a sweat-drenched T-shirt and dark blue denim jeans.
He’s also been spotted shirtless at Muscle Beach, doing pull-ups in the sun, and wading through Rock Creek Park in D.C. (which, by the way, has high E. coli levels—not recommended). He is a man who seeks the elements. When you spend that much time outside—whether you're falconing, hiking, or white-water rafting—you’re going to get some color.
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But natural sun rarely produces that specific, year-round leathery mahogany. That's where the artificial boost comes in.
The Politics of the Tan
There is a psychological element here too. Think about the people RFK Jr. aligns with. Donald Trump is the king of the orange glow. There’s a certain "strongman" aesthetic at play.
A tan suggests you have the time and money to be outside. It suggests you aren't stuck in a cubicle. For Kennedy, it reinforces the image of a rugged, outdoorsy Kennedy—the kind that sails and plays touch football on the lawn at Hyannis Port.
Makeup artists have weighed in, suggesting that some of his "glow" might be a mix of real sun, tanning beds, and maybe a little bit of bronzer for the cameras. It’s a "ruddy-meets-orange" look that stands out under TV studio lights.
Is it actually healthy?
This is the million-dollar question. Kennedy says he feels great. Science, however, has some notes.
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- Carcinogen Risks: The National Toxicology Program (which Kennedy technically oversees at HHS) lists UV radiation from tanning beds as a known carcinogen.
- Premature Aging: High exposure to UVA rays breaks down collagen. It’s why heavy tanners often have that "leather jacket" skin texture.
- The Vitamin D Argument: Kennedy argues he’s getting Vitamin D. Doctors argue you can get Vitamin D from a 15-minute walk or a pill without the 58% increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma.
The Verdict on the Glow
So, why is RFK Jr so tan? It’s because he’s a true believer in the "natural" lifestyle—even when that involves a very unnatural tanning bed. He views the sun as a nutrient, not a threat.
He’s a man of contradictions. He wants to remove toxins from our food but spends his lunch break in a tanning booth. He wants us to get back to nature, but he’s hiking in heavy denim in the Arizona heat.
If you're looking to replicate the look, maybe stick to the hiking and skip the beds. Your skin will probably thank you in ten years.
What You Can Do Next
If you're worried about your own sun exposure or want a "healthy" glow without the RFK-level risk, start by checking your Vitamin D levels through a simple blood test at your doctor's office. You can also look into "clean" mineral-based sunscreens that use zinc oxide instead of the chemical filters RFK Jr. frequently criticizes. This gives you the protection he hates with the "toxin-free" vibe he loves.