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Tanning is getting hot again. Here's what it really does to your skin
Experts say social media is reviving tanning culture as a 2025 survey found more than half of young adults believed a base tan prevents sunburn.
- Social media platforms are fueling a tanning comeback among young adults, with viral content promoting the practice despite significant health warnings. A video sharing "tanning secrets" has racked up more than 11 million views.
- Tanning beds emit more than 10 times as much UV light as the sun, increasing melanoma risk by 47% for users under 20, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. This scientific risk drives the urgency of the story.
- Dr. Pedram Gerami of Northwestern University found tanning bed users have nearly three times the melanoma risk, with DNA mutations priming cells for cancer development. "You only need like two or three mutations in the right place for it to turn into a melanoma," Gerami said.
- Nichole Sims, diagnosed with melanoma after tanning since age 15, now warns peers about risks. Psychologist Sherry Pagoto at University of Connecticut says teens struggle to weigh long-term health against appearance, making prevention efforts challenging.
- The FDA withdrew a proposed rule in March that would have barred anyone under 18 from using tanning beds, citing "concerns regarding possible unintended consequences" in its memo. The decision drew expert concern about mixed public messaging on tanning safety.
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21 Articles
21 Articles
Associated Press News+18 Reposted by 18 other sources
Tanning is getting hot again. Here's what it really does to your skin
Experts are worried about tanning's resurgence among young adults, fueled by social media. Some influencers are also encouraging the use of tanning beds.
·New York, United States
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·Helsinki, Finland
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Total News Sources21
Leaning Left11Leaning Right0Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution52% Left
Bias Distribution
- 52% of the sources lean Left
52% Left
L 52%
C 48%
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