Dermatologists Shed Light on the Controversial Tan Stripes Trend
Headline: Tan Lines: A Dangerous Beauty Trend Exposed
Tan lines, especially those deliberately created by burning or excessive UV exposure, are a dangerous beauty trend that should be avoided. Any tanning or sunburn causes DNA damage to skin cells, increasing the risk of premature aging and skin cancers, including melanoma, one of the deadliest cancers.
Body
Contrary to popular belief, tanning stripes are not the result of a long sun exposure, but a deliberate choice. However, this choice comes with serious health risks. Sunburn tattoos are a burn reaction of the skin, accompanied by an inflammation of the superficial skin layers. This practice, popularized on social media under trends like "burn lines," is reckless, causing irreversible skin cell damage, accelerating aging, and substantially raising skin cancer risks.
UV exposure from sunbathing or tanning beds carries the same risks, with tanning beds sometimes being more harmful due to more intense UVA radiation. Dermatologists advise against excessive sunbathing and consider the trend of tanning stripes as dangerous.
The skin produces more melanin, a pigment that absorbs UV radiation, as a response to UV radiation. This response is a cry for help from the skin, signaling a medically questionable approach to UV radiation.
Many find the contrast between pale and tanned skin attractive. To cater to this preference, alternatives to achieve a tanned look without the health risks exist. These include sunless tanning products such as self-tanning lotions, sprays, and mousses that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which darken the skin temporarily without UV exposure. Bronzing makeup or gradual tanners that add color safely are also options. Professional spray tans applied by trained technicians for even and controlled results are another choice.
These options provide the cosmetic effect of a tan without causing DNA damage or increasing cancer risk. It is important to avoid any UV-based methods or tanning pills, which can have serious side effects such as liver damage and still cause skin injury.
In summary, the healthiest choice is to avoid UV tanning entirely and use sunless methods to create a tanned appearance while protecting your skin from permanent damage and serious health risks.
Sources
[1] American Academy of Dermatology. (2021). Tanning: Myth vs. Fact. [online] Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/tanning/tanning-myths
[2] National Cancer Institute. (2017). Tanning and Skin Cancer Risk. [online] Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/sun/tanning-beds-solariums
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Sunless tanning. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sunless-tanning/art-20045532
[4] World Health Organization. (2018). International Agency for Research on Cancer Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. [online] Available at: https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/MonographVolume113-1.pdf
[5] Skin Cancer Foundation. (2021). Tanning and Skin Cancer. [online] Available at: https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/tanning-and-uv-rays/tanning-and-skin-cancer
- The risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, increases with any tanning or sunburn, which are common practices in pursuing tan lines.
- Healthier alternatives to achieve a tanned look without the health risks include sunless tanning products, bronzing makeup, gradual tanners, and professional spray tans.
- Dermatologists recommend avoiding UV tanning entirely and using sunless methods for a safe and attractive tanned appearance, reducing the risk of permanent skin damage and serious health issues.
