Tanfluencers on TikTok and Instagram are pushing a dangerous new trend called 'tanmaxxing,' urging followers to sunbathe longer, use tanning beds, skip sunscreen, and apply tanning accelerators to achieve the deepest possible tan. The movement has exploded on social media, with hashtags like #tanmaxxing and #sunscreenfree garnering millions of views, primarily targeting young adults who are most vulnerable to long-term skin damage.
This trend directly contradicts decades of public health warnings from dermatologists and organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology, which have consistently emphasized that any tan is a sign of skin damage. Tanmaxxing goes a step further, actively encouraging behavior that dramatically increases the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and eye damage. The rise of tanfluencers—social media personalities who glamorize extreme tanning—has created a counter-narrative to sun safety, often fueled by misinformation and a desire for viral content.
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm. Dr. Shari Lipner, a dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medicine, warns that tanmaxxing 'is essentially a recipe for skin cancer.' Studies show that just one indoor tanning session before age 35 increases the risk of melanoma by 75%, and regular outdoor tanning without sunscreen compounds that danger. The trend also includes the use of tanning accelerators—lotions or pills that claim to speed up melanin production—many of which are unregulated and may contain harmful ingredients.
The analysis goes deeper: tanmaxxing taps into a broader rejection of medical expertise on social media, similar to anti-vaccine or anti- sunscreen movements. It thrives on the aesthetics of 'natural' beauty and the promise of a healthy glow, even as the underlying practice is anything but healthy. Some tanfluencers even claim that sunscreen itself is toxic, citing debunked studies or anecdotal evidence, which platforms have struggled to moderate effectively.
Looking ahead, public health officials may ramp up campaigns to counter tanmaxxing, similar to past efforts against the 'tanorexia' craze. Instagram and TikTok face pressure to label or remove misleading content about sun safety. In the meantime, the trend continues to grow, and the consequences may not be fully seen for years—until the first wave of tanmaxxers develops skin cancer. The message from experts is clear: no tan is worth the risk.
Health
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‘Tanfluencers’ Push ‘Tanmaxxing’ Social Media Trend. Here Are Skin Risks
Tanfluencers on TikTok and Instagram are encouraging tanmaxxing via suntanning longer, using tanning beds and accelerators and even foregoing sunscreen to maximize tans.
Bruce Y. Lee, Senior Contributor
Forbes
2 min read
7/10
Key Takeaways
- The tanmaxxing trend encourages prolonged sun exposure and tanning bed use without sunscreen, directly opposing decades of dermatological advice.
- Hashtags like #tanmaxxing and #sunscreenfree have amassed tens of millions of views on TikTok and Instagram, primarily targeting Generation Z and millennials.
- Indoor tanning before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75%, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
- Tanfluencers often promote unregulated tanning accelerators, some of which contain ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or hormonal disruption.
- Public health experts warn that the trend could lead to a spike in skin cancer diagnoses in the coming decade, mirroring past upticks after tanning bed booms.
"Tanmaxxing is essentially a recipe for skin cancer."
"Any tan is a sign of skin damage—there is no healthy tan."
Frequently Asked Questions
Tanmaxxing is a social media trend promoted by 'tanfluencers' that encourages people to maximize their tan by spending more time in the sun, using tanning beds, and avoiding sunscreen. The goal is to achieve the darkest possible tan, often using tanning accelerators.
Tanmaxxing significantly increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form. It also accelerates skin aging, causes eye damage, and can lead to sunburn and heatstroke. Using unregulated tanning accelerators may introduce additional toxins.
Tanfluencers are social media influencers who promote tanmaxxing and extreme tanning practices. They often share videos and posts on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, using hashtags such as #tanmaxxing and #sunscreenfree to reach a large audience, especially young adults.
Tanfluencers often claim that sunscreen blocks vitamin D absorption or contains harmful chemicals, though these claims are largely debunked by dermatologists. They prioritize a deep tan over sun protection, believing it looks more attractive and 'natural.'
To protect your skin, always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapply every two hours, seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and avoid tanning beds entirely. If you want a tan, consider using sunless tanning products like self-tanners.
Original source
www.forbes.com
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