Dermatologists Warn 52% of Young Women Intentionally Tan as 'Tanmaxxing' Fuels Cancer Risk
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 30
Dermatologists Warn 52% of Young Women Intentionally Tan as 'Tanmaxxing' Fuels Cancer Risk
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 30
Summary
A new JAMA Dermatology study found intentional outdoor tanning remains common, led by 18-to-24-year-old women at 52%, as dermatologists warn the social-media-driven “tanmaxxing” trend is unsafe.
Doctors say no tan is safe because tanning itself signals UV-triggered DNA damage that raises skin-cancer risk; about 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.
Experts link the trend to sunscreen misinformation, distrust of medical advice and the mood boost from sunlight, which may reinforce sun-seeking behavior.
Tanning beds can be even riskier than outdoor sun exposure, with one study tying their use to an almost threefold increase in melanoma risk.
Dermatologists recommend broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplication every two hours, protective clothing and self-tanners for color without UV exposure.