Social Media-Fueled Tanning Trend Raises Skin Cancer Concerns Among Teens
Experts say social media and misinformation are driving young adults back to tanning, even as studies link tanning beds to higher melanoma risk.
- Social media platforms are fueling a tanning comeback among young adults, with viral content promoting the practice despite significant health warnings. A video sharing "tanning secrets" has racked up more than 11 million views.
- Tanning beds emit more than 10 times as much UV light as the sun, increasing melanoma risk by 47% for users under 20, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. This scientific risk drives the urgency of the story.
- Dr. Pedram Gerami of Northwestern University found tanning bed users have nearly three times the melanoma risk, with DNA mutations priming cells for cancer development. "You only need like two or three mutations in the right place for it to turn into a melanoma," Gerami said.
- Nichole Sims, diagnosed with melanoma after tanning since age 15, now warns peers about risks. Psychologist Sherry Pagoto at University of Connecticut says teens struggle to weigh long-term health against appearance, making prevention efforts challenging.
- The FDA withdrew a proposed rule in March that would have barred anyone under 18 from using tanning beds, citing "concerns regarding possible unintended consequences" in its memo. The decision drew expert concern about mixed public messaging on tanning safety.
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29 Articles
Tanning is becoming hot again, despite risks
Experts are concerned about a resurgence in the popularity of tanning among young adults as social media has helped tanning in general make a comeback. More than 100,000 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the United States in 2026, and about 8,500 people are expected to die from melanoma, according to the American Cancer Society.
Tanning Is Getting Hot Again. Here's What It Really Does to Your Skin.
(MedPage Today) -- Nichole Sims started using a tanning bed at 15 because she said everyone around her was doing it, especially before events like homecoming dances and prom. Eight years later, she was diagnosed with melanoma. During that time...
Associated Press News
Tanning is getting hot again. Here's what it really does to your skin
Experts are worried about tanning's resurgence among young adults, fueled by social media. Some influencers are also encouraging the use of tanning beds.
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