The rise of tanning apps promoting 'safe' sun exposure is a growing concern, especially among health professionals and parents. But are these apps really harmless, or are they undermining the fight against skin cancer? Here's the shocking truth.
Influencers are heavily promoting smartphone applications that claim to provide 'safe' and 'healthy' tanning routines, targeting users as young as four years old. This has contributed to a resurgence of tanning culture among Australian teenagers, which experts describe as dangerous.
These apps, downloaded by Guardian Australia, promise users a 'safe' tan or a 'healthy glow'. One such app, rated for users aged 4 and above, is among the top free downloads in the 'weather' category on the Apple App Store. But is this innocent-sounding app really safe for children?
The apps encourage users to select their desired skin tone, from 'espresso glow' to 'golden bronze', and then choose tanning intensity levels like 'mild', 'medium', or 'intense' for faster results. But here's where it gets controversial: some apps even suggest adding body oils, tanning butters, or accelerants to enhance the tanning process, potentially putting users at greater risk.
Users are then guided through a personalized tanning routine, which involves deliberate exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The app advises on the timing and duration of sun exposure to achieve the desired skin color. But dermatologists argue that there is no such thing as a 'safe' tan from UV rays.
And this is the part most people miss: a tan is not a sign of health, but rather a distress signal from your skin. Dr. Deshan Sebaratnam, a dermatologist, explains that a tan means your skin cells have been damaged by UV radiation, triggering melanin production. He emphasizes that the only safe tan is a fake tan, achieved through sunless tanning products.
The apps' claims of gradual tanning being safer or having safe thresholds of exposure are misleading, as any skin color change indicates damage, regardless of the speed of tanning. This is especially worrying when targeting young users, as UV damage in early life significantly increases the lifetime risk of skin cancer, even after the skin appears to have healed.
UV radiation causes mutations in DNA, and these mutations can lead to cancer. Dr. Sebaratnam highlights the increased risk associated with childhood sunburns, which is why policies like 'no hat, no play' are in place. While melanoma in children is uncommon, he has treated young patients requiring surgery and lymph node removal, demonstrating the potential severity of the issue.
The use of tanning accelerants and oils, as recommended by some apps, is strongly discouraged by experts. These products may contain ingredients that increase photosensitivity, leading to severe burns. Health professionals are alarmed by the trend, with parents expressing concern about their children's tanning habits.
A recent poll revealed that 23% of Australian teens aged 12 to 17 mistakenly believe a tan protects against skin cancer, and half prefer a tanned look. With approximately 2,000 Australians dying from skin cancer each year, the dangers of these tanning apps cannot be overstated.
Health advocates are working to raise awareness of the risks associated with these apps, urging Australians to avoid them. By promoting tanning, these apps are directly contradicting public health efforts to reduce skin cancer rates. SunSmart, for instance, has dedicated decades to changing Australian attitudes towards tanning.
So, are these tanning apps harmless fun or a dangerous trend? The evidence suggests the latter, with potential long-term consequences for users, especially the young. What do you think? Are these apps a cause for concern, or is it all just harmless fun in the sun?
