The allure of a sun-kissed glow continues to drive tanning trends, but the associated health risks remain a significant concern. Tanning, whether through sun exposure or artificial methods like tanning beds, carries substantial dangers, primarily the increased risk of skin cancer.
Recent trends show a shift towards more sophisticated and safer tanning methods. Spray tans and self-tanning products are gaining popularity due to their ability to deliver a natural-looking tan without harmful UV exposure. These modern tanning products often include additional benefits like skin smoothing and moisturizing, making them a preferable choice for many​
Indoor tanning, despite being a common practice, is not safer than sun exposure. Studies highlight that using tanning beds increases the risk of developing skin cancer significantly. For instance, the risk of squamous cell carcinoma increases by 58%, and basal cell carcinoma by 24%. More alarmingly, starting indoor tanning before age 20 can increase the risk of melanoma by 47%, with the risk escalating with each use​. This has led to regulatory measures, such as the FDA mandating warning labels on all tanning equipment.
Trends like “beer tanning,” popularized by social media platforms like TikTok, exemplify dangerous practices that exacerbate these risks. This method involves applying beer to the skin before sun exposure to enhance tanning, but it offers no protection against UV radiation and can result in severe sunburn and increased skin cancer risk​
