The rise of tanning apps promoting 'safe' sun exposure is causing a stir, especially among experts battling skin cancer. But are these apps really harmless fun or a dangerous trend? The answer is far from clear-cut.
Influencers are heavily promoting smartphone apps that promise a 'safe' and 'healthy' tan to users, including children as young as four. This has led to a resurgence of tanning culture among Australian teens, which has experts worried. With claims like 'Get your best tan safely' and 'Achieve a healthy glow faster', these apps are enticing users to download them, with one tanning app, suitable for children aged 4+, ranking high in the Apple App Store's 'weather' category.
Here's the controversial part: these apps encourage users to select their desired skin color, such as 'espresso glow' or 'golden bronze', and choose tanning intensity levels like 'mild', 'medium', or 'intense'. But is there such a thing as a safe tan? Dr. Deshan Sebaratnam, a dermatologist, says no.
According to Dr. Sebaratnam, a tan is a distress signal from the skin, indicating damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The skin responds by producing melanin, and any color change is a sign of harm, even if it occurs gradually. He warns that apps suggesting safe tanning schedules or exposure thresholds are misleading, as any UV exposure carries risks.
And this is where it gets critical: tanning apps targeting young users are especially concerning. UV damage during childhood increases the lifetime risk of skin cancer, even after the skin appears to heal. The DNA mutations caused by UV radiation persist, and accumulating these mutations can lead to cancer. Dr. Sebaratnam highlights the importance of childhood sun protection policies, as sunburns in early life significantly elevate skin cancer risk.
The apps recommend tailored tanning routines, guiding users on UV exposure duration to achieve their desired tan. Some even suggest using body oils, tanning butters, or accelerants, which may contain ingredients that increase photosensitivity and the risk of severe burns. A sponsored ad for one of these apps features a tanned woman with the caption, 'Didn't check UV. Didn't reapply. Didn't even think about it.'
The head of the Cancer Council Victoria's SunSmart program, Emma Glassenbury, expresses concern over the trend, noting that parents are worried about their children chasing tan lines and inquiring about UV levels. A poll reveals that 23% of Australian teens mistakenly believe a tan protects against skin cancer, and half prefer a tanned look. With approximately 2,000 Australians dying from skin cancer annually, Glassenbury emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of these apps.
But are these apps solely to blame? The tanning culture they promote undermines public health efforts to combat skin cancer. SunSmart has worked for decades to change Australian attitudes towards tanning. Now, the question remains: can we strike a balance between enjoying the sun and protecting our health? The debate continues, and we invite you to share your thoughts in the comments.
