It’s a phenomenon that leaves experts perplexed. There Generation Zchampion of extended “skincare” routines and cutting-edge ingredients, seems to be making a 180-degree turn to return to a practice that we thought was over: the quest for the perfect tan, whatever the cost. Viral videos showing young people in UV cabins to “tanmaxxing” tutorials (the art of optimizing your tan), social networks like TikTok and Instagram have become platforms for normalizing risk, in total disregard of the prevention messages hammered home for decades.
How did TikTok turn tanning into a risky trend?
The driving force behind this resurgence is purely social and algorithmic. Influencers, nicknamed “tanfluencers”, trivialize a deadly practice by presenting it as a simple beauty accessory. The short and visual format of TikTok lends itself perfectly to this glorification of the tanned body, without ever showing the long term consequences. We see young people sharing tips for maximizing UV exposure, filming themselves in tanning salons with a casualness that borders on provocation.
This phenomenon illustrates a breakdown in trust. For part of this Generation Zthe words of a content creator now carry more weight than those of a health professional. Peer normalization on the platforms they frequent daily makes medical warnings distant, almost abstract. A foolish bet which is played with likes and views.
What is the response of experts to this mistrust?
The observation leaves the world of Dermatology stunned. Professionals tirelessly point out a scientific truth: there is no no safe tan. A tan, whether obtained in the sun or in the cabin, is a response of the skin to an attack. This is the visible sign of damage to cellular DNA. The myth of a protective “base tan” is dismissed out of hand: it’s already an injury.
Worse still, tanning beds are classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the same risk category as asbestos or plutonium. Using it before age 35 increases the risk of melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, by almost 75%. A figure which should make you think, but which seems to slip over a generation which says it is ready to sacrifice the future for immediate aesthetics.
Is disinformation the only driver of this phenomenon?
No, and that is perhaps the most worrying. Beyond false information, such as that claiming that sunscreen is carcinogenic, lies a deeper posture. A recent study by the American Academy of Dermatology reveals edifying figures: only 25% of 18-29 year olds say they are worried about Skin cancercompared to 39% for the general population. We are swimming in complete dissonance cognitive.
Some experts see it as a symptom of a form of fatalism, of anxiety in the face of a future deemed uncertain. “What’s the point of preserving ourselves for a future that may not exist?” seems to be the subtext. This short term visioncoupled with widespread distrust of “official” medicine, creates the perfect breeding ground for risky behaviors, like extreme tanning, to flourish with impunity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is “tanmaxxing”?
“Tanmaxxing” is a term born on social networks which refers to a set of techniques and practices aimed at maximizing and accelerating the tanning process. This often includes the use of unregulated products or prolonged, unprotected exposure to UV rays, which is extremely dangerous for the skin.
Is a tan obtained in a cabin less risky than in the sun?
Absolutely not. This is a dangerous myth. The UV rays emitted by tanning beds are often more intense than those of the midday sun. The WHO has classified artificial tanning devices as “carcinogenic to humans”, in the same way as tobacco. There is no difference in nature, the risk is even increased due to the intensity.
