SKIN DEEP
I’m a skincare expert – the killer beauty trend to avoid as it ages you and puts your life at risk
The "deadly" beauty trend has an eye-watering 747 million views on TikTok alone
BRITS should avoid a “deadly” beauty trend that's more popular this summer than ever before, docs have warned.
The trend is the third leading cause of cancer in the UK but has grown by a staggering 12% in the last year alone.
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Dermatologists and cancer doctors are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact it is having on younger generations, too.
The beauty trend in question is sunbed usage.
Despite growing concerns over the surge of melanoma, shocking statistics claim that 43% of 18 to 24 year olds use sunbeds.
The “deadly beauty trend” has amassed over 748 million views on TikTok over the last year, up by 35% since 2023.
With approximately 5,000 tanning salons in the UK alone, the industry boasts a clientele of over 62,000 youngsters using sunbeds.
But according to skin cancer charity Melanoma UK, excessive radiation is the third leading cause of cancer.
It's also the primary contributor to skin cancer in the UK.
Sunbed rays are significantly stronger than those from natural sunlight
Saarah Mengrani, Health and Skincare Specialist
Tanning bed use before the age of 30 escalates the risk of melanoma development by a whopping 75%, according to the charity.
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What's more, regular users face an eightfold increase in risk compared to non-users.
Sunbed usage also makes your skin age quicker.
It is well documented that fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and loss of skin firmness tend to appear years earlier in people who have had excessive UV exposure.
Why is Sunbed Use Increasing?
Sunbeds are becoming increasingly popular on TikTok, where the hashtag #sunbed has racked up over 747 million views to date.
Youngsters are using the hashtag to exchange tanning advice and share vlogs featuring a "come to the sunbed with me" hook, experts at Landys Chemist warned.
Melanoma UK found that individuals under 25 are the primary users of sunbeds, followed by those ages 26 to 35.
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More than two-thirds of TikTok's UK user base falls within the 18 to 34 age range, which the experts believe is “likely playing a significant role in the growing popularity of sunbed use among young adults”.
What are the Dangers?
“Frequent sunbed use exposes the skin to UVA and UVB rays,” Saarah Mengrani, Health and Skincare Specialist at Landys Chemist, explains.
“These rays are responsible for skin cancer and premature skin ageing by causing damage to skin cell DNA, potentially leading to melanoma development.
“Sunbeds operate by emitting ultraviolet rays (UVA and UVB) very closely to the skin to stimulate melanin production, resulting in the desired tan appearance.
“The rays are significantly stronger than those from natural sunlight and can cause severe harm and damage to the skin.”
Sunbed usage is estimated to result in 100 melanoma-related deaths annually in the UK, with six lives lost to melanoma each day.
What are the Signs of Skin Cancer?
“Regularly monitoring your skin's health is crucial in detecting early signs of skin cancer,” Saarah shares.
“While melanoma symptoms can vary from person to person, it's important to promptly consult your doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms.”
Sunbed rays are responsible for skin cancer and premature skin ageing by causing damage to skin cell DNA
Saarah Mengrani, Health and Skincare Specialist
Signs include new spots or moles on the skin, any spot that looks different from others on your body and broken skin or sore that doesn’t heal.
You should also look out for redness or a new swelling beyond the border of a mole and colour that spreads from the border of a spot into the surrounding skin.
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Irritation or tenderness in an area that doesn't go away or is recurring is another sign in skin cancer.
You should also check for changes in the surface of a mole, such as scaliness, bleeding or the appearance of a lump or bump.