Dermatologists Voice Their Criticism Against Tanlines, Specifically Tan Stripes
Headline: The #Tanlines Trend: A Dangerous Fashion Statement for Skin Health
The latest social media trend, #tanlines, showcases the contrast between pale and tanned skin on a tanned body. However, experts warn that this trend, particularly the versions involving intentional sunburn to create "burn lines," poses serious risks to skin health.
Vogue has announced online that tanning stripes are back, but dermatologists like Afschin Fatemi caution against the pursuit of this aesthetic through harmful UV radiation. Deliberately burning the skin to achieve these tan lines can cause irreparable skin and DNA damage, increase premature aging, and significantly raise the risk of serious skin cancers, including melanoma.
This trend is fueled by platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where young users share tips for tanning and proudly display tan lines as fashionable. However, dermatologists emphasize that even a single sunburn in childhood can more than double one's risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Governments such as France have formally condemned these behaviors, urging platforms to curb content that promotes hazardous sun exposure.
While some social media content mimics tan lines using makeup or bronzers without UV exposure, the dangerous part of the trend involves real sunburns or intentional skin burning to create visible tan or burn lines. This practice, known as sunburn tattoos, can lead to cell damage, scars, and pigment disorders.
The skin produces more melanin as a reaction to harmful UV radiation from the sun, absorbing UV radiation to prevent it from penetrating into deeper skin layers. However, this process can lead to premature skin aging and, in the worst case, skin cancer.
Those with skin diseases like neurodermatitis or psoriasis should avoid self-tanner due to potential skin irritations caused by the chemical ingredients. Dermatologist Afschin Fatemi considers the #tanlines trend quite dangerous and advises against excessive sunbathing.
To protect your skin, it is recommended to wear a hat, sunglasses, and use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor for uncovered skin areas. By taking these precautions, we can enjoy the sun without putting our health at risk.
- The #tanlines trend, popularized on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, involves intentionally sunburning skin for aesthetic purposes, a practice that dermatologist Afschin Fatemi warns can cause irreparable skin and DNA damage, increase premature aging, and significantly raise the risk of skin cancers.
- Despite some forms of the #tanlines trend using makeup or bronzers without UV exposure, the dangerous aspect lies in real sunburns or intentional skin burning to create visible tan or burn lines, a practice commonly known as sunburn tattoos, which can lead to cell damage, scars, and pigment disorders.
- Dermatologists recommend taking precautions to protect skin health when in the sun, such as wearing a hat, sunglasses, and using a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor for uncovered skin areas, ensuring enjoyable sun exposure without the risk to our health.
