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In the summer, it’s natural to want blemish-free skin and a more tanned complexion. Recently, TikTok users have found a strangest remedy to make acne disappear: sunburn. Basically, they expose themselves to the sun for a long time in order to renew their skin, much to the dismay of health professionals.
It seems like sunburns just keep inspiring wackier and wackier beauty trends. The latest? Using UV rays to clear up acne and other skin blemishes. “Sunburning” has become this summer’s hottest, and perhaps most dangerous, beauty trend for achieving a nearly flawless complexion. Instead of simply going for a light tan, some devotees are basking in the blazing sun for hours to achieve smooth, blemish-free skin.
Many videos American influencers like Haley Wenthold, showing off their intensive tanning sessions to eliminate their pimples, have gone viral on TikTok. video Haley’s, for example, has racked up nearly 2 million views, showing her face exposed to UV rays in hopes of making her blemishes disappear.
But does the sun really have the power to make skin clearer? According to a recent report According to Eucerin dermatology experts, UV rays have an “immunosuppressive” and therefore “anti-inflammatory” effect. Jennifer Chwalek, a New York-based dermatologist, explains in an article in Teen Vogue : “Sunlight is made up of different wavelengths, and some of them can have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin, killing acne-causing bacteria.“. She adds, according to the media, that “New evidence shows that vitamin D, which we get from sun exposure as well as certain foods, may play a role in oil production and pore health“.
Protection first
While this information may explain why sun exposure can temporarily improve the appearance of your skin, it doesn’t mean you should follow this dangerous trend. In fact, Chwalek points out that people who get sunburned are more likely to develop skin cancer and sun damage.
Jennifer A. Stein, a dermatologist at NYU Langone, points out in an article in New York Post : “It is estimated that one in five people will develop skin cancer during their lifetime.“. She strongly advises: “The best way to protect yourself from UV rays is to cover up. The more you cover your skin, the less sunscreen you will need to protect yourself.“.
This isn’t the first time that unusual sun-related trends have invaded social media. Recently, “heat stroke makeup,” which involves imitating sunburn with blush, had won over makeup fans. Last year, it was “SPF contouring,” a technique that involves playing with the application of sunscreen to create sculpted areas on the face.
It is important to remember that while some trends may seem appealing or effective in the short term, they can have serious health consequences. Rather than risking permanent damage to your skin, it is best to consult a dermatologist for safe and tailored solutions for your skin concerns.