Some social media influencers are encouraging beachgoers not to use sunscreen in an attempt to 'heal' acne. But doctors say the consequences could be devastating. Health experts are warning against a dangerous trend circulating on social media that's encouraging people not to use sunscreen.
A growing number of videos on the popular social media platform TikTok are suggesting that getting a sunburn could work as a health boost or even . Doctors at the Queen Victoria Hospital in the UK have been quick to denounce the viral trend, explaining that it could . "Whilst there are health benefits associated with getting enough sunlight, sunscreen should still be used to help reduce your risk of developing skin cancer," they said in a statement.
"The more episodes you have of being sunburnt throughout your lifetime, the greater your risk of developing skin cancer, as well as your skin prematurely ageing". "The impact of this trend could be far-reaching," they said. the sun is pretty good at what it does The hospital treats around 700 patients a year for sunburn, adding that "the number is increasing year on year".
Doctors are worried that the effects of this trend could last for years, meaning "TikTok followers may well develop skin cancer in years to come." Sam Orkar, clinical director at Queen Victoria's Plastics and Burns Services, says melanoma is the fifth most common type of cancer and numbers in the UK are rising. "There are safer ways to treat acne than putting yourself at risk.