Recently, a trend called “SunBurning,” which involves exposing acne-prone skin to intense sunlight, has gained popularity on TikTok. Experts are warning about its dangers.
According to New York Post and Daily Mail reports, TikTok users are increasingly joining the “SunBurning” trend. Numerous videos show TikTokers exposing their bare faces under the sun with the caption, “Sun, please burn my acne.”
TikToker Haley Wenthold (@livingfor_jesuss) recorded over 1.7 million views with her video titled “Telling the sun to burn off my acne.” In the video, she claimed that tanning helped her acne, and many users agreed. In response, experts acknowledged that ultraviolet (UV) rays have anti-inflammatory effects. However, determining the appropriate amount of sunlight is difficult, warning about the consequences.
A report from erma experts with Eucerin states that “moderate” sun exposure can improve the acne-prone and blemish-prone skin. However, excessive heat can damage the skin and worsen acne. The report warns that excessive sun exposure can dry the skin, increasing sebaceous gland activity. It notes that overproduction of sebum and seborrheic dermatitis are typically the leading causes of blemishes.
It is difficult to conclude that UV exposure solely causes anti-inflammatory effects. Dr. Justine Kluck, a dermatologist in London, told the Daily Mail that the positive effects of sunlight may stem from people experiencing less stress. He explained that people often sunbathe while on stress-free vacations.
This trend poses a unique problem in Western countries with large white populations. Dr. Zainab Laftah, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson noted, “Tanning is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. Those who tan more have double the risk of developing skin cancer.”
Every year, over 100,000 people in the U.S. and more than 15,000 in the U.K. get diagnosed with melanoma. Particularly, melanoma rates in the U.K. are rising faster compared to other types of cancers, with increased sunbathing and tanning bed use cited as contributing factors.
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