YOUNG people are being “targeted” by online trends promoting dangerous tanning methods.
The use of sunbeds and tanning oils is on the rise as young people are drawn into the dangerous market, despite over 11,000 new cases of skin cancer being diagnosed each year in Ireland.
Dr Kate McCann warned over 11,000 cases of skin cancer are being diagnosed in Ireland every year[/caption]
And a doctor has told told how she is worried that trends such as sunburnt tan lines and the resurgence in sunbed use means young people are going backwards when it comes to sun safety.
Speaking as we face into a weekend of 28C heat and widespread sunshine, Dr Kate McCann said: “The hashtag #sunburntlines has more than 200 million views on TikTok.
“But intentional sunburn lines aren’t the only example of young people’s obsession with tanned skin as another trend sees people tattooing tan lines into their chests.
“We had been making great progress in realising that tanning isn’t a sign of beauty, it’s a sign of skin damage.
“We’ve been great in promoting awareness of sun safety but now it seems, we really are going backwards.
“We are now starting to see the use of sunbeds going back up after having been a trend to get away from and the use of tanning oils is on the rise again.
“We know that the use of sunbeds before age 35 can increase risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 75 per cent.”
The Dublin based preventative health doctor who lives in Ashbourne, Co Meath says the marketing influence of tanning among influencers on social media platforms and TV is worrying.
She said: “There are more and more people under 35 years of age who are not worried about premature ageing and they see their beauty as a short-term thing.
“They are being targeted by online trends promoting health misinformation, such as the use of cooking oil for faster tanning. It’s just exposing you to increased risk of skin damage.
“Even one severe sunburn – that is a sunburn that blisters or peels – as a child or teen doubles the risk of skin cancer later in life.
“Nine out of 10 cases of skin cancer come from UV exposure from sun or sunbeds.
“This is really a concern among health professionals right now as there is a huge amount of health misinformation being circulated on social media about sunscreen.”
I say, own your tone. All skin tones are beautiful.”
Dr Kate McCann
Dr McCann warned that we have “gone back 25 years” to tan line trends that were fashionable in the late 90s and early 2000s.
She added: “Using sunblock or stickers on your skin while you tan to leave a white mark or “tattoo” behind is now in vogue again.”
Tanning has been shown to be addictive for some people.
Tanorexia is a syndrome where an individual appears to have a physical or psychological dependence on sunbathing or the use of tanning beds
Dr McCann advocates for positive body image which includes skin tone.
She said: “I say, own your tone. All skin tones are beautiful.
“Look in the mirror and say I am who I am and I am beautiful, whatever your skin colour is.
“It’s not ‘pasty’ – I would say ‘pure porcelain perfection’”.
HEALTHY HABITS
She said the trends are “worrying” but we can still promote sun safety awareness through healthy family habits:
“Slip on a shirt, slap on a hat, slide on some shades, seek some shade – and slop on the sunscreen or a mineral sunblock.
“We need to have ongoing discussion with our children and teens about beauty trends and body image.
“No trend looks as beautiful as healthy feels.”
Dr.McCann urges everyone to fact-check influencer and social media claims when it comes to skin health and sun safety, and encourages families and patients to use trusted resources like the Irish Cancer Society website.
SHOCK STATS
It comes as shock new research revealed that almost one in four Irish people admitting to rarely or never using suncream.
Only one in three admitted to using suncream on sunny days or when travelling abroad, the Lidl report revealed.
Some 36 per cent of Irish people admit to sunbathing regularly while a massive 56 per cent believe they don’t need suncream unless they’re in direct sunlight or experiencing high temperatures.
The research also found that while many parents are diligent about applying suncream to their children, they often neglect their own skin.
TV presenter Dáithí Ó Sé has teamed up with Lidl in raising awareness of sun safety after experiencing his own health scare.
He said: “It was a scary experience when I got the news about my lump and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, the fear eats away at you.
“People often think that the sun can’t really do too much damage but it can and it does.
DAILY PROTECTION
Simone recommends breaking down the basics:
· Suncream should be applied every morning – rain, shine, or anything in between.
· Reapply every two hours – especially if you’re outdoors, sweating or swimming.
· Use a full teaspoon for your face and neck and around a shot glass for your body.
· Don’t forget ears, scalp, backs of hands and feet! if you’re wearing sandals.
“You need to be using suncream every day even on cloudy days when you think the sun can’t reach you.
“I really like the Cien sports range for when I’m out and about whether I’m at a shoot or pacing the sidelines at a match.
“The travel size range is also really handy for when I’m on the go for work as they’re compact sizes that I can keep in the car or my suitcase without taking up too much space.”
Skin Expert Simone Gannon advised the daily use of suncream is essential for long-term skin health.
She said: “Lidl’s research shows a serious gap in how we use suncream in Ireland.
“The reality is, even on cloudy days, UV rays can cause long-term skin damage, premature ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer – so daily sun protection really is essential.
“You don’t need to spend €25 or more to get high performance.”
