TORONTO – Dr. Julia Carroll, a Toronto dermatologist, expressed concern about the regression in public understanding of sun protection, with many adolescents and young adults showing a worrying trend in their behavior towards tanning. Carroll recounted instances where her teenage patients sought permission to skip school due to high UV index levels, solely to tan at home, contrasting sharply with the mindset of individuals aged 15 to 25 just five years ago, who prioritized sunscreen use in their skincare routines.
This shift in attitudes is largely attributed to a viral trend on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, which has seen Gen Z users, mainly teenagers and young adults, showcasing their tanned skin with the hashtag #tanmaxxing. This trend encourages maximum sun exposure with minimal or no use of sunscreen, alarming health professionals and parents alike.
Dr. Carroll noted that the UV index, designed to warn individuals about sun exposure risks, is often disregarded. She cautioned about long-term consequences, predicting that today's youth might face severe skin damage, including wrinkles, pigmentation, and potentially life-threatening conditions such as melanomas and other skin cancers, 20 to 30 years down the line.
Despite the warnings from experts and parents, many young individuals are undeterred. Lana Armani, a 22-year-old Montreal-based social media and marketing specialist, admitted that she and her friends frequently engage in tanmaxxing, typically sharing their tanning exploits on social media. Armani acknowledged that her generation is consciously tanning when they know they shouldn’t and demonstrated a disconnection from health risks associated with UV exposure, choosing instead to live in the moment.
According to a poll conducted in April by the Canadian Dermatology Association, nearly 40% of 1,000 Gen Z Canadians surveyed reported intentional tanning in the past year. This occurs despite 79% of respondents expressing concerns about skin cancer, with 63% being fully aware of the tanning risks involved.
Armani suggested that dermatologists must harness social media influencers to promote sunscreen as a beauty product, one that offers immediate aesthetic benefits such as a glow or tint, rather than merely a sun protection measure. She noted that while self-tanners are sometimes used, the appeal of natural tanning remains strong among her peers because it is perceived as more attractive and longer-lasting.
Dermatologist Dr. Ivan Litvinov from McGill University pointed out that while the current Gen Z cohort has popularized tanmaxxing, previous generations also engaged in excessive sunbathing. He explained that children are often protected until their teenage years, at which point they begin to make personal choices that often lead to increased UV exposure. He also highlighted the evolutionary aspect of sun exposure, as sunlight is necessary for Vitamin D synthesis.
While tanning is often pursued for its pleasurable experience, Litvinov emphasized the health risks associated with overexposure. Although Armani promotes moderation in tanmaxxing, dermatologists warn that no tan is safe, as a tan indicates skin damage. Dr. Carroll reiterated this by explaining that a tan provides minimal protection from UV rays, equivalent to an SPF of just 4, while recommending broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of at least 30.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, melanoma incidence rates in Canada have escalated over the past three decades, primarily linked to sun exposure and tanning beds. Their guidelines urge individuals to limit sun exposure during peak UV hours, wear protective clothing, and consistently apply sunscreen to minimize skin cancer risks.
In summary, there is a disconcerting trend among young Canadians towards tanning, despite the known risks and warnings from dermatologists and health organizations. As social media continues to influence perceptions of beauty, it remains crucial for public health initiatives to adapt and engage effectively with younger audiences to promote safe sun practices.
