The Queen Victoria Hospital Foundation Trust in East Grinstead alerted the public to the trend known as “sunburning,” where social media influencers encourage people to avoid sunscreen to achieve a “healthy” glow or deliberately burn their skin to treat acne.
Sam Orkar, clinical director of the hospital’s plastics and burns services, cautioned that such trends are not only immediately harmful but could also lead to lifelong health problems. He urged the public to protect their skin with sunscreen and opt for safer methods to treat skin conditions.
Although the West Sussex hospital hasn’t treated any cases linked to this trend, it warned that those who follow it might face long-term consequences. Repeated sunburns over a lifetime significantly increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging, according to the hospital.
The Queen Victoria Hospital treats approximately 700 skin cancer patients annually from Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, with the number rising each year. Melanoma, the 5th most common cancer in the UK, is expected to see a record 20,800 cases diagnosed this year, up from the average of 19,300 between 2020-2022, according to Cancer Research UK.
TikTok has been contacted for comment on the matter.