A social media trend called "Tanmaxxing" is promoting extreme sun exposure and tanning, but dermatologists are sounding the alarm on its serious health risks.
The practice, popular among Gen Z, combines direct sunlight with tanning products, with some creators forgoing sun protection entirely.
"Tanmaxxing" is trending on social media as a way of maximizing sun exposure. (iStock)
New York-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michael Tassavor states there is "no such thing as a safe, natural tan." He calls tanning a "visible distress signal" indicating DNA damage has already occurred.
The World Health Organization classifies UV radiation and tanning beds as Group 1 carcinogens, placing them in the same category as tobacco and asbestos.
Using a tanning bed before 35 years old can raise melanoma risk by about 75%, an expert warned. (iStock)
Dr. Tassavor warns that using a tanning bed before age 35 can raise melanoma risk by approximately 75%. He emphasizes that the damage accumulates silently over years.
He also debunks common myths, stating that skipping sunscreen does not produce a "better" tan and a base tan offers no protection from sunburn.
Most vitamin D can come from diet and supplements, and skin is efficient enough to get what it needs from ordinary incidental exposure. (iStock)
For safe sun exposure, he recommends using SPF 30 sunscreen and reapplying every two hours. He advises avoiding tanning beds entirely, as there is no safe dose of UV exposure.