A dangerous tan lines trend has taken over social media
A dangerous online trend fuelled by misinformation around “healthy tans” may be potentially deadly for young Queenslanders.
The “tan lines trend” is the latest and most dangerous viral fashion statement gripping young social media users.
Across different online platforms, you’ll find videos with millions of views of young people glamorising tan lines and encouraging high UV (ultraviolet) exposure to get the “burnt look” they’re after.
Users claim that using a low SPF product alongside tanning oils and tanning in high UV conditions to maximise tanning time without the risk of prolonged exposure are “safe ways” to maximise the darkening of skin.
Others spruik apps – unnamed in this article - that help you get a customised tanning routine based on your current complexion and the colour of tan you want.
Some even encourage getting sunburnt, stating that it can turn into a tan a few days later.
Social media users glamourising tan lines and sharing their tanning routines, including sun exposure when the UV levels are high.
The sun’s UV strength is measured using an index rating from 1 to 11. The higher the number the stronger the UV rating. The risk of skin damage is increased when the UV index is 3 or above.
The truth is, in Queensland where the UV index is at 3 or above all year round, just ten minutes of sun exposure can cause damage to skin and increases your risk of skin cancer. The five sun safe behaviours should be practised every day.
The five sun safe behaviours are:
- Slip on a shirt
- Slop on sunscreen
- Slap on a hat
- Seek shade
- Slide on sunglasses
Tanning triggers the body’s defence mechanisms and creates a trauma response, causing an increase in melanin production to try and protect deeper layers of the skin. A tan is visibly showing you are causing damage to your skin.
Sunburn is a radiation burn which occurs when UV rays damage the upper layer of skin cells.
Both a tan and sunburn causes DNA damage to your skin, which is what leads to premature ageing, wrinkles, and a greater risk of skin cancer.
Repeated tanning and sunburn are putting your skin at real risk by causing damage over and over again.
Apps promoting sun tanning routines have become popular, with one app reaching more than 100,000 downloads.
Two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in their lifetime, and more than a million new cases of skin cancer are recorded every year.
The sad reality is one Australian dies of skin cancer every six hours, and it’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australians aged 20 to 39 years. This is despite skin cancer being one of the most preventable types of cancers.
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Medical Oncologist Dr Mark Nadler, said he found this viral trend encouraging unsafe sun exposure incredibly disturbing.
“Tanning is extremely dangerous and the viral nature of this tanning trend has me concerned for young Queenslanders,” Dr Nadler said.
“Your skin changes colour to tell you it’s being damaged by harmful UV radiation, it’s not a sign of healthy skin at all.
“It might look cool now, but it won’t be cool later when people experience premature wrinkling or potential lesions or scars from skin cancer removals.
“Skin ageing due to sun damage is irreversible and protecting your skin now can help prevent it.
“If there was a cream to prevent breast or prostate cancer, everyone would be using it.
“But despite melanoma being one of the more preventable cancers, we’re still seeing skin cancer take lives in Queensland, and this tan line trend won’t help.
“Swap the tanning routine apps you saw on TikTok for the SunSmart app.
“It gives you real-time and forecast UV levels, plus reminders to reapply sunscreen based on where you are."
Download the SunSmart app to get UV alerts and sunscreen reapplication advice based on your location.
To keep your skin safe, ensure your sunscreen is SPF 50+ and specifically designed to block both UVA and UVB rays.
As well as sunscreen, it’s recommended to avoid being out in the sun’s most damaging hours where possible – typically from 10am to 4pm.
If you are outside during these hours, make sure you also and protect your skin with hats, clothing, and seeking shade in addition to sunscreen.
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Milap Rughani said every Queenslander should perform skin self-checks using the S.C.A.N method and get professionally checked regularly.
“Sore, Changing, Abnormal, or New is the S.C.A.N method everyone should use to check their skin regularly,” Dr Rughani said.
“Listen to your body, and if you notice any changes see your GP.
“You should also have a professional skin check at least once a year to monitor moles, pimples, spots, and other skin areas you can’t easily check yourself.
“Your doctor will keep an eye on moles that might seem larger than usual, have an outline, have changed shape or colour, or if you have any new moles.
“Prevention is always better than treatment – more than 90 per cent of melanoma cases can be treated if found early.”
Anyone can develop skin cancer, anytime during their life – melanoma does not discriminate against age or gender.
When 19-year-old Crystal went for a skin check for a mole change on her arm, she never imagined a week later she’d have a melanoma diagnosis.
Crystal wants people to know that being aware of your skin and checking it regularly is important.
You do the 5, you survive.
Reducing exposure to the sun’s UV is the most effective way to prevent all types of skin cancer. You can do this by doing these five sun safe habits:
- Slip on a shirt
- Slop on sunscreen
- Slap on a hat
- Seek shade
- Slide on sunglasses
Despite Queenslanders generally being aware of slip, slop, slap, seek and slide, skin cancer rates in the state indicate sun safe habits aren’t being practised consistently enough to reduce the rate of cases.
Research shows that over the past 10 years there have been minimal changes in attitudes and behaviours relating to sun protection.
Queensland Health has pulled out all the stops to reinvigorate sun safe habits – cue SUNSHINE. YOU DO THE 5. YOU SURVIVE.
Through a horror film-style approach, the campaign draws attention to the gravity of the risk of skin cancer and emphasises how seriously we should be taking sun safe habits.
Learn more about the campaign here.