A social media trend known as "tanmaxxing," which involves maximizing sun exposure through prolonged time in direct sunlight and the use of tanning products, is raising concerns among dermatologists due to its potential health risks. This practice, popular among Gen Z, often combines outdoor tanning with oils, bronzers, and gels, and in some cases, may involve foregoing sun protection or using tanning beds.
Dermatologists emphasize that there is no safe way to achieve a natural tan. Dr. Michael Tassavor, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, stated that tanning is a sign of skin damage and that a tan is not a "glow-up" but a "visible distress signal that DNA damage has already happened." He noted that many patients he has treated for skin cancer had engaged in tanning practices before the "tanmaxxing" trend was widely recognized.
The World Health Organization classifies UV radiation and tanning beds as Group 1 carcinogens, placing them in the same category as tobacco and asbestos. According to Tassavor, using a tanning bed before the age of 35 can increase the risk of developing melanoma by approximately 75%. He warned that the damage from UV exposure accumulates silently and may not manifest until years later, when intervention becomes more difficult.
Two common misconceptions associated with "tanmaxxing" are that skipping sunscreen leads to a better tan and that a base tan offers protection against future sunburns. Dermatologists counter that sunscreen use does not prevent the skin from obtaining necessary vitamin D, and that adequate vitamin D levels can be achieved through diet, supplements, and incidental sun exposure. While sunlight can contribute to mood elevation and vitamin D production, chasing excessive sun exposure is unnecessary and potentially harmful.
To safely enjoy the sun, experts recommend applying SPF 30 sunscreen and reapplying it every two hours. Tanning beds should be avoided entirely, as there is no safe level of UV exposure, and their use accelerates skin aging. The long-term consequences of excessive sun exposure, including increased skin cancer risk and premature aging, underscore the importance of practicing sun safety.