Britons should avoid “deadly” beauty trends that are more popular than ever this summer, doctors have warned.
The trend, which is the third leading cause of cancer in the UK, has seen a staggering 12% increase in the last year alone.
Dermatologists and oncologists are increasingly concerned about its effects on younger generations as well.
The beauty trend in question is the use of sunbathing.
Shocking statistics have revealed that 43% of 18 to 24-year-olds use sunbeds, despite growing concerns over the rise in melanoma.
The “Deadly Beauty Trend” racked up more than 748 million views on TikTok last year, a 35% increase since 2023.
There are around 5,000 tanning salons in the UK alone and the industry boasts over 62,000 young customers who use sunbeds.
But excess radiation is the third biggest cause of cancer, according to skin cancer charity Melanoma UK.
It is also the leading cause of skin cancer in the UK.
The sun’s rays are much stronger than natural sunlight
Saara Menglani, Health and Skin Care Specialist
According to the charity, using a tanning bed before the age of 30 increases your risk of developing melanoma by a whopping 75%.
Furthermore, regular users have an eight times increased risk compared to non-users.
Sunbathing also accelerates skin aging.
It is well documented that fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and loss of skin firmness tend to appear years earlier in people who have been overexposed to UV rays.
Why is the use of sunbeds increasing?
Sunbeds are becoming increasingly popular on TikTok, with the hashtag #sunbed racking up more than 747 million views to date.
Young people are using the hashtag to exchange tanning advice and share video blogs featuring the hook “Come to the sunbed with me,” according to experts at Randy’s Chemist. I warned you.
According to Melanoma UK research, the main users of sunbeds are under 25s, followed by users aged 26 to 35.
More than two-thirds of TikTok’s UK user base are between the ages of 18 and 34, and experts say this “could play a key role in the growing popularity of sunbed use among young people. “I think it’s expensive.”
What is the danger?
“Frequent sunbed use exposes your skin to UVA and UVB rays,” explains Saarah Mengrani, health and skin care specialist at Landys Chemist.
“These rays can damage the DNA of skin cells, potentially leading to the development of melanoma, which can lead to skin cancer and premature skin aging.
“Sunbeds emit ultraviolet light (UVA and UVB) in close proximity to the skin, stimulating melanin production and resulting in the desired tanned appearance.
“The rays are much more powerful than natural sunlight and can cause serious harm and damage to the skin.”
It is estimated that sunbed use causes 100 melanoma-related deaths a year in the UK, with six lives lost to melanoma every day.
What are the signs of skin cancer?
“Regular monitoring of skin health is important to detect early signs of skin cancer,” Saara says.
“Symptoms of melanoma vary from person to person, but if you notice any signs or symptoms, it’s important to contact your doctor right away.”
Sun rays damage the DNA of skin cells, causing skin cancer and premature skin aging
Saara Menglani, Health and Skin Care Specialist
Signs include new spots or moles on the skin, spots that look different from other spots on the body, and skin lesions or wounds that don’t heal.
You should also be on the lookout for redness or new swelling beyond the borders of the mole, as well as color spreading from the border of the spot into the surrounding skin.
Irritation or tenderness in the area that doesn’t go away or comes back is another sign of skin cancer.
You should also check for changes on the surface of the mole, such as scaling, bleeding, or the appearance of lumps or bumps.
