Dermatologists have raised the alarm on “tanmaxxing,” a growing social media trend all about getting the deepest tan possible this summer.
Tanmaxxing, a term that borrows from the self-improvement trend “looksmaxxing,” encourages people to achieve the strongest tan possible through excessive measures. This includes planning your sunbathing around peak UV hours, using sunbeds, spending unhealthy stretches of time in the sun, skipping sun protection and using tan-enhancing oils while sunbathing.
While social media users are using the term “taxmaxxing” to document their quest to achieve a perfect summer glow, dermatologists have labeled it “sun damage packaged as a beauty hack.”
Dr. Silvina Pugliese, a clinical associate professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Health, told News 12 that repeated ultraviolet exposure not only speeds up the risk of skin cancer but can also speed up premature aging and lead to wrinkles and other lasting cellular damage.
“The long-term ramifications can actually be quite detrimental,” Pugliese said. “Your skin will age more quickly with regular routine and extensive UV exposure.”
Jessica Saggio, a Long Island nurse, told News 12 that she used to embrace the habits social media users are now promoting online, such as spending hours sunbathing and using tanning oil to maximize the tan.
But she told the outlet that her education in medical school made her rethink the risks of UV damage and the harm of her habits.
“I went to nursing school, I was like, wait a second. I should be protecting my skin,” she said.
“I would be doing the same thing that they would be doing,” Saggio said of tanmaxxing. “I do love to tan and I love to be in the sun, but unfortunately, not everybody’s skin type is the same.”
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying a water-resistant sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher about 15 minutes before heading into the sunshine. It recommends reapplying it every two hours.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans in their lifetime.
Just five or more sunburns of any severity can double that risk, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The sun’s ultraviolet rays damage the skin’s cells, causing DNA mutations that lead to cancer.
But skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and most cases can be prevented by protecting your skin.
The AAD encourages limiting prolonged exposure during peak daylight hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
To protect your skin, AAD dermatologists also recommend seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing like hats and clothing made from UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) materials.