Tan maxxing is a term that is popular right now on many social media influencers’ feeds. It’s getting traction with teenagers and women in their twenties. The goal is to get the deepest, darkest tan possible.
What it Encourages
Social media influencers recommend using tanning beds —a practice scientifically proven to increase the risk of skin cancer. Tanning beds are more risky than sun exposure: tanning beds emit 3-6 times the amount of radiation given off by the sun. They also encourage sunbathing during the highest UV periods of the day and doing so without any sunscreen or other sun protection (e.g., shade, protective clothing, etc.)
We Know Better
We are living in a time when we talk about skin cancer more than ever before. This generation knows the risks of tanning beds, they know that sitting in the sun without skin protection is dangerous and causes changes to skin DNA.
Ironically, Gen Z has, from a young age, followed social media influencers who promoted preventive skin care and reducing the signs of aging. According to a Canadian Dermatology Association survey, 79% of Gen Z respondents are concerned about skin cancer; 63% recognize that tanning increases the risk of skin cancer and yet, 40% report intentionally tanning. They know more and they know better than the generations that came before them. But still, tan maxxing is happening.
What’s Old is New Again
Tan maxxing is a new term for an old behavior.
In the ‘70s and ‘80s it was all about “peak sun”. This meant getting outside and laying in the sun during the hours the sun was strongest, tanning without sunscreen, and even using topical treatments that would promote burning. But that was 50 years ago and we have learned so much since then!
Unfortunately, these younger (mostly) women do not seem to have the historical knowledge of the skin cancers and deaths caused over the past half a century by these unhealthy behaviors. The myth that sunscreen is unhealthy is being spread in conjunction with promotion of tan maxxing. Sunscreen is widely known to be safe, and effective in blocking both UVA and UVB rays (broad spectrum sunscreen) that damage the skin and are known to be cancer causing.
The Real Truth
A sun burn is skin damage, not a base for a tan.
Burning your skin changes the DNA in your skin cells.
Tanning beds are more damaging to your skin than the sun.
Melanoma is the second most common cancer among 15-29-year-olds.
More than five sunburns doubles your chance of developing malignant melanoma.
There is no such thing as a “healthy tan.” Tanned or burned skin is damaged skin, period. Learn more about the dangers of tanning.
Social media influencers are not typically doctors or scientists. They are people sharing and monetizing their opinions and preferences often with no science to back it up. Their goal is to raise their status on social media platforms. Unfortunately, this can lead to the spreading of myths and misinformation.
We urge you to learn the facts, the science and the medical recommendations so you can be sun smart and sun safe.
If the UV index is 3 or above, it is recommended you wear sunscreen of SPF 30 or above.
Tanmaxxing is dangerous. Protect your body’s largest organ.
Learn more about Melanoma Facts.
Melanoma is real and affects young people. Read Leah’s story.
