A potentially life-threatening TikTok trend on tanning has been slammed by skin experts, after social media users shared a strange technique which involves smothering your skin in beer before catching some rays. TikTokers have recently took to the platform to detail how the method offers 'the best tan ever', dubbing it a cheap and effective way of boosting your bronze.
But experts have hit back, claiming that the method could lead to a heatstroke, or even skin cancer in the worst case scenario. Co-Founder of skin cancer awareness charity Skcin, Kathryn Clifford, told The Sun: "I can barely believe this insanity exists.
"This is an extremely dangerous so-called ‘trend’ with potentially very serious consequences. Tan-seekers of all kinds are at serious risk of developing all types of skin cancer and burning of the skin is strongly linked to the development of melanoma - the most serious life-threatening form of the disease."
Read more: Vet issues warning over 'toxic' TikTok trend endangering dogs
The Mirror reports that Jason Goldberg, who is the director at SpaSeekers.com, warned beer could leave you vulnerable to sun poisoning. Experts have also expressed concerns with another so-called tanning trend, which involves mixing moisturiser and water in a spray bottle.
The concoction is then applied to a person's skin both before and during sunbathing, resulting in what one TikToker describes as a 'beaut tan'. However, not everyone has been so admirable of the method - with numerous social media users urging the creator to apply plenty of sun cream and remember her skin is 'so precious'.
Skincare experts at JustMyLook issued the following warning regarding the tip: "We strongly advise against undertaking this hack. Not only is the process unsafe, but exposure to the sun in this way with no protection can severely increase the risk of sunburn which can lead to melanoma (skin cancer)."
They added: "We recommend wearing an SPF of 30 or more and applying it 15 minutes before exposing your skin to the sun."
The NHS meanwhile, warns that 'there is no safe or healthy way to get a tan from sunlight', also citing how a tan provides little protection against further exposure to the sun. The National Health Service also advises striking a balance between protecting yourself from the sun and getting enough vitamin D from sunlight.
Sun safety tips
Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest. In the UK, this is between 11am and 3pm from March to October. Make sure you:
- Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
- Never burn
- Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses
- Take extra care with children
- Use at least factor 30 sunscreen
