Social media influencers are promoting ditching sunscreen and intentionally burning skin to ‘heal acne’, but dermatologists warn against this as sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging.
Dermatologists emphasize the importance of wearing sunscreen (at least SPF 30) to reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer, especially for those with white skin between March and October in the UK.
Dr. Whitney Bowe and Dr. Justine Kluck caution against harmful sun exposure for acne treatment, as UV rays can lead to skin cancer and premature aging.
While vitamin D is essential for health, experts stress that sunscreen does not significantly impact vitamin D absorption, and there are safer ways to get vitamin D through sunlight exposure for different skin types.
Getting a tan is a sign of skin damage, as melanin production to protect from UV damage can lead to mutations in DNA and increase the risk of skin cancer like melanoma.
In a world where social media influencers hold significant sway, there has been a worrying trend towards promoting harmful practices like intentionally burning your skin to heal acne. Despite claims that sun exposure can provide health benefits, dermatologists caution that sunburn can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Influencers with large followings, such as @melissanelosn and @meghanbrodie, have been spreading misinformation about the benefits of sun exposure, leading some individuals to ignore the importance of sunscreen.
Experts emphasize that protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial in reducing the risk of skin cancer, with the British Association of Dermatologists recommending a minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen for those with lighter skin. Additionally, while vitamin D is important for overall health, there are safer ways to obtain it than through sun exposure. The rise in melanoma cases underscores the need for sun safety measures, such as seeking shade, wearing sunscreen, and avoiding sunbeds. It is essential for individuals to prioritize skin protection and be mindful of the dangers associated with excessive sun exposure in order to prevent serious health consequences in the future.
![Social media user @melissanelosn, who has 450K followers, posted a video to TikTok showing her sunbathing on the beach claiming the 'sun and saltwater' 'burns off all [her] acne'](https://fasthealthnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Doctors-caution-against-dangerous-TikTok-trend-of-sunburning-promoted-by.png "Doctors caution against dangerous TikTok trend of ‘sunburning’ promoted by influencers as a cure for acne and immunity boost.")