The rise of 'safe' tanning apps is a concerning trend that threatens to undo years of progress in skin cancer awareness and prevention. These apps, which promise a 'healthy glow' and 'safe tanning routines', are not only misleading but potentially dangerous, especially for young users.
With claims like "get your best tan safely" and "achieve a golden bronze espresso glow", these apps are targeting a vulnerable audience, including children as young as four. And they're gaining traction, with one such app ranking among the top free downloads in the "weather" category on the Apple app store.
But here's where it gets controversial: these apps advocate for deliberate exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, guiding users on how long to spend in the sun to achieve their desired skin tone. They even suggest adding tanning butters, oils, and accelerants to the mix, which dermatologists warn is a terrible idea.
Dr. Deshan Sebaratnam, a dermatologist and associate professor, puts it bluntly: "A tan is a distress signal from your skin. It means your skin cells have been damaged by UV radiation." He adds, "There is no such thing as a safe tan. The only safe tan is a fake tan."
And this is the part most people miss: even gradual tanning or low exposure levels can still cause skin damage. Any color change indicates harm, and UV damage early in life increases the lifetime risk of skin cancer.
The reason? UV radiation can cause mutations in your DNA, even if your skin heals and looks fine. These mutations can lead to cancer later on.
So, while melanoma in children is rare, the potential long-term consequences are not. As Sebaratnam says, "When you acquire enough mutations, that’s what causes cancer."
The Cancer Council Victoria's SunSmart program is concerned, with parents reporting that their kids are chasing tan lines again. A recent poll found that 23% of teens aged 12-17 falsely believed a tan protects against skin cancer, and half said they'd prefer to look tanned.
With around 2,000 Australians dying from skin cancer each year, the promotion of these tanning apps is a serious public health concern. As Emma Glassenbury, head of the SunSmart program, states, "By promoting tanning trends, they are really undermining our public health efforts in tackling skin cancer."
So, what's the solution? It's simple: avoid these dangerous tanning apps and embrace the fake tan. It's time to shift our attitudes and prioritize skin health over a temporary tan.
What do you think? Are these apps a harmless trend or a serious threat to public health? Let's discuss in the comments.
