Social Media Abuzz with Tan Lines: Insights from Science Regarding 'Safe' Tanning Practices
A disturbing new trend on TikTok is causing concern among health experts, as users intentionally expose their skin to harmful levels of UV radiation in a bid to create uneven tan lines. Known as "burn lines" or "sun tattoos," this trend involves purposefully burning the skin in order to achieve desired patterns.
This behaviour is alarming, as UV radiation from the sun or sunbeds is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer, placing it alongside tobacco smoking and asbestos in terms of cancer risk. Each sunburn episode causes lasting skin damage and accumulates DNA mutations that increase skin cancer risk, including melanoma, and also accelerates skin aging.
Dermatologists and health officials globally, including the French government, have publicly condemned the trend and issued warnings against deliberately damaging skin for cosmetic reasons. Dr. Derrick Phillips, a Consultant Dermatologist, states that there is no such thing as a healthy tan.
The ABCDE Rule for Detecting Melanoma
Early detection is critical when it comes to melanoma, as it can be deadly but is treatable if caught early. The common warning signs follow the ABCDE rule:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.
- Border irregularity: The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
- Color variation: Multiple colors or uneven shades within a mole.
- Diameter: Usually larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), but melanomas can be smaller.
- Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or new symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or crusting.
If any mole or skin lesion shows these signs, or if there is a new, unusual spot on the skin, a dermatologist should evaluate it promptly.
The Risks of the TikTok Tanning Trend
If a mole shows two or more of these features, it's best to have it reviewed by a GP or dermatologist. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop in new or existing moles. If melanoma is detected, further treatment is often necessary, which may involve removing an additional 1-2cm of surrounding skin.
Tanning apps like SunKiss AI are being used, promising a "gorgeous glow" while claiming to keep users safe. However, it's important to remember that there is no such thing as a safe tan, and any exposure to UV radiation increases the risk of skin cancer.
In conclusion, the TikTok tanning trend encourages dangerous UV exposure that increases skin cancer risk, including melanoma, and users should be vigilant about skin changes and aware of melanoma warning signs. SunKiss AI was reached out to for comment but had not responded by the time of publication.
- The disturbing TikTok trend of intentionally exposing skin to harmful UV radiation for creating 'burn lines' or 'sun tattoos' is a cause of concern for health experts.
- UV radiation from the sun or sunbeds, classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the WHO, increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, and accelerates skin aging with each sunburn episode.
- Dermatologists and health officials worldwide condemn this trend and warn against damaging skin for cosmetic reasons, as there is no such thing as a healthy tan.
- Early detection is critical in melanoma cases, which follow the ABCDE rule: asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter, and evolving changes.
- If a mole or skin lesion shows these signs or there's a new, unusual spot on the skin, prompt evaluation by a dermatologist is recommended.
- Tanning apps like SunKiss AI promise a safe glow, but any exposure to UV radiation increases skin cancer risk, and there is no such thing as a safe tan.
