If it's noticeable, I might say something like "looks like you got some sun!" I know it's not considered polite anymore to comment on how people look but I have never had a negative reaction. People seem happy if you notice intentional weight loss, and if its unintentional, they seen happy someone is showing empathy about their illness or whatever is causing it. Talking about someone's tan or burn is usually a lead-in to discuss the person's recent vacation or fun BBQ. Or yardwork.

I generally don’t comment on tans, because I worry about skin cancer and I don’t see tans as desirable. I have had conversations with friends who are black about them getting an inadvertent tan. It’s not been a sensitive issue.

Anonymous wrote:A tan on a white person is going to be a bigger contrast than a tan on a dark skinned person. I would not mention it. I'm white and one time someone commented that I didn't tan after going to the beach (I used sunscreen.)

Not all black people are the same complexion genius.

Anonymous wrote:I have. I'm Gen X, and I can't help it. I appreciate a natural tan, and I'm going to tell you if I notice. It doesn't matter if you're a black/brown/white person.

^Big same….this is how I approach many things.

I think natural/vacation tans look amazing….on most everyone.

[OP, Gen X, generally casual about things]

I generally don't comment on people's bodies, especially if they're not a very close friend or family. Tans, weight change, even hair. So I wouldn't comment on any coworkers tan, no matter their race.

I wouldn’t say anything about anyone’s tan regardless of race/initial skin tone. I might not notice (I’m kind of unobservant about style changes) and even if I did notice I probably wouldn’t say anything since I wouldn’t know if it was intentional or not (not everyone I know thinks being tanned is positive).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A tan on a white person is going to be a bigger contrast than a tan on a dark skinned person. I would not mention it. I'm white and one time someone commented that I didn't tan after going to the beach (I used sunscreen.)

Hmm, I actually don’t think so.

Anyway, not all Black people are dark skinned. (I’m not saying you don’t know this, PP; I’m just stating a point.) Even still, it’s quite easy to notice a person is several shades darker…whether they are dark or light skinned. Maybe white people just don’t pay attention. I notice a tan on Black people quite easily. Of course, I know a lot of Black people…so, I see more Black faces.

Y’all need to associate with more Black people.

[OP]

I didn't say I don't notice tans on Black people. It is noticeable. There is no good answer to your question. If we don't tell a black person nice tan, then you assume we're not around Black people enough. If we do tell a Black person nice tan, how would that come across? Probably not very good either.

It seems very person and situation specific. One person angry; another person happy. Best bet: say nothing to anybody, especially in the workplace. For years I have assiduously avoided all comments on personal appearance due to a boss (white) whose comments would result in 1/3 don’t care; 1/3 happy; and 1/3 annoyed or even angry. Being an entry-level employee at the time I heard all the complaints that he did not and observed.

Yes, I would comment and have done so. White person here with Black spouse. I suppose I might reconsider if I didn’t know the person well, but definitely would say so to a friend or relative.

Are you kidding? I would never comment on a black person’s skin color.

As for white, yeah I might comment if it looks really nice. But I think it’s unhealthy so I don’t usually comment.

Anonymous wrote:I'm Hispanic and white people have commented on my tan but that was in the 90s. I think white people today are too scared and liberal.

I’m a Liberal, but not saying “anything about anything”(thanks PP) to black people has nothing to do with it.

I'm Hispanic and white people have commented on my tan but that was in the 90s. I think white people today are too scared and liberal.

Why are we still commenting on other people’s appearances as adults in 2021 again?

I have. I'm Gen X, and I can't help it. I appreciate a natural tan, and I'm going to tell you if I notice. It doesn't matter if you're a black/brown/white person.

I've also never commented on anyone's tan. Don't care.

I just want to hear about their vacation over our lunch break. I hope that they had a good time. Sheesh.