Why Jenna Bush Hager’s Chest Turned Green After Topless Sunbathing
Another celebrity sun-care saga to brighten your day: Jenna Bush Hager admitted that a topless tanning session left her décolletage sporting a distinct green tint. According to the New York Post, the former Today show host posted about the odd hue on Instagram, joking that she felt more like the Incredible Hulk than a morning news anchor. But before you start blaming radioactive exposure, a board-certified dermatologist stepped in to set the record straight.
Dr. Amy Peterson of the American Academy of Dermatology told Allure that certain skincare ingredients—namely copper peptides—can oxidize under UV light. “When those peptides interact with sunlight, they can turn green, much like how a copper penny weathers over time,” she explained. Meanwhile, People magazine recalls Jenna admitting she’d slathered on a botanical sunscreen infused with algae extract, a recipe primed for an unintended color show. So it wasn’t swamp water or moldy lotion, just good old chemistry in action.
You might wonder why Jenna didn’t notice until she peeled off her bikini top. Dermatologist Dr. Rachel Stern shared with Health.com that the décolletage often gets less attention in daily skincare routines, so reactions can fly under the radar until you’re fully exposed. The irony is rich: someone who’s spent years advising parents on sun safety got schooled by a rogue SPF blend. Jenna, ever the good sport, quipped that she’s adding “science geek” to her resume.
Before you toss all your summer lotions, take note: Jennifer Arnold of the Skin Cancer Foundation warns against DIY mixes of high-concentration actives without professional guidance. “Not every trendy ingredient is Instagram-ready,” she told Glamour, noting that simple mineral sunscreens tend to be a safer bet for extended sun sessions. Jenna’s experience is a reminder that half the battle is knowing what’s in the bottle before you hit the beach.
Still unconvinced this isn’t an overblown vanity mishap? The American Chemical Society confirms that any metal-based skincare compound can oxidize under UV if left on the skin too long. So yes, your bronzing oil could be staging a color revolution. If you thought green was only for envy, think again—it might just be for your next sun-soaked selfie.
And there you have it—another sun-care debacle turned science lesson. Feel free to update your sunscreen cabinet and spare yourself the emerald glow. Soak up that knowledge, not just the rays. Nothing shocking here, folks. Let’s all act surprised.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, Allure, People magazine, American Academy of Dermatology, Health.com
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
