Trend of sunburn tattoos raises important cautions from dermatologists.

TikTok Trends Raise Concerns Over “Tan Tattoos”

Dermatologists are sounding alarms about a new TikTok trend involving “tan tattoos,” where individuals create artistic designs by applying stickers, tapes, or sunscreen, effectively tanning their skin in specific shapes.

Some younger adults have shared with media that they enjoy using their skin as a canvas, claiming these styles look cool and draw social media attention. However, skincare professionals warn that this practice could be harmful to overall skin health.

“Even if it seems creative or harmless, sunburn is still a form of skin injury,” says Dr. Anthony Rossi, a double-board certified dermatologist based in New York City. He emphasized that the “tan tattoo” phenomenon knowingly inflicts UV damage on the skin.

Sunburns hasten the aging of the skin and escalate the likelihood of developing skin cancers, including melanoma, the most serious type. “The patterns may appear impressive in photos, but they can create dangerous UV hotspots. The harm is cumulative,” he cautioned, noting his experience as the founder of Dr. Rossi’s Skincare.

He reminisced about a time he used iodine and baby oil to tan and acknowledged the ongoing consequences. “We often see patients who have experienced frequent sunburns from booths and summer sun during their teens. By their 30s and 40s, many face skin lesions or even skin cancer,” he explained.

Dr. Salamo Gadham, a Dermatologist and MOHS surgeon from Selbyville, Delaware, expressed concern regarding the impact of tan tattoos on teens, which could significantly elevate their skin cancer risk. “Experiencing five or more severe sunburns between ages 15 and 20 can increase the risk of melanoma by 80%,” he noted.

When skin suffers from sunburn, UV radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and mutations that may result in skin cancer.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that every sunburn inflicts some degree of skin damage. “This damage not only accelerates aging but also increases the risk of all types of skin cancer, including melanoma,” their website explains.

Prevention Tips

Both dermatologists recommend using spray tans as a safer alternative for achieving a temporary “tan tattoo” look. “Spray tans utilize dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar that reacts with amino acids in the upper layer of skin to produce a temporary brown hue,” Moghaddam added.

He noted that there’s no evidence suggesting DHA in spray tans is harmful, and as the skin naturally exfoliates, the color gradually fades. However, Rossi pointed out that there’s still some risk if the spray tan is inhaled improperly and reminded that it won’t protect against future sunburns.

To safeguard the skin from sun damage and minimize the risk of skin cancer, the AAD recommends seeking shade, especially when one’s shadow is shorter than the person, as peak sun hours are from 10 am to 2 pm. Using broad-spectrum sunscreen and donning UV protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses is also advised.