The rise of 'safe' tanning apps is a concerning trend that threatens to undo years of progress in skin cancer prevention. These apps, which promise a 'healthy glow' and 'safe tanning routines', are gaining popularity, especially among young Australians, due to heavy promotion by influencers. But here's where it gets controversial: these apps are misleading and potentially dangerous, as they promote deliberate exposure to UV radiation, which is the very cause of skin damage and cancer.
One such app, rated suitable for users as young as four, is among the top free downloads in the 'weather' category on the Apple app store. It encourages users to select their desired skin tone, offering options like 'espresso glow' or 'golden bronze', and then provides a tailored tanning routine with specific instructions on sun exposure duration.
Some apps even suggest adding tanning oils and accelerants to the mix, which Dr. Deshan Sebaratnam, a dermatologist and associate professor, strongly advises against. He emphasizes that any change in skin color, whether gradual or not, indicates damage.
"A tan is a distress signal from your skin," Sebaratnam explains. "It means your skin cells have been harmed by UV radiation, and there's no such thing as a safe tan. The only safe tan is a fake one."
The potential long-term consequences are particularly worrying. UV damage early in life increases the lifetime risk of skin cancer, even if the skin heals and appears fine. This is because the DNA mutations caused by UV exposure remain, and over time, these mutations can lead to cancer.
"When you acquire enough mutations, that's when cancer develops," Sebaratnam says.
The head of the Cancer Council Victoria's SunSmart program, Emma Glassenbury, shares her concern, noting that they are hearing from parents worried about their children's tanning habits. A recent poll by The Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne found that 23% of teens surveyed believed a tan protects against skin cancer, and half preferred a tanned appearance.
"What we're doing is raising awareness of the dangers of these apps," Glassenbury says. "We urge all Australians to avoid these risky tanning apps, especially our young people. By promoting tanning trends, they undermine our public health efforts to tackle skin cancer. SunSmart has worked hard to shift Australian attitudes away from this dangerous mentality."
So, while these apps may promise a 'safe' tan, the reality is far from it. The potential risks are high, and the consequences can be life-altering. It's a reminder that when it comes to our skin, there are no shortcuts to health and beauty.
