Minq

Helping You Look and Feel Good

  • New
  • Beauty
  • Food
  • Fitness
  • Lifestyle
  • Style

Dermatologists Hate It: Why Sunburn Tattoo Trend Needs To Stop Now

By Madeleine Staley
By Maylee Staley
July 17, 2019

Pixabay / chezbeate

This summer’s latest skin trend is hot — and not in a good way.

No one enjoys a sunburn. They sting, make you look slightly tomato-ish, and can have dangerous consequences. However, lately, people have been getting them on purpose. Why, you ask? For the Instagram aesthetic, of course.

https://www.instagram.com/p/4ZVosSIZih/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Teens and young adults have recently been sticking sun-blocking stencils on their bodies, burning in the sun for a few hours, and then peeling the stencils off to reveal a white design where their skin hasn’t burned. The look people have been aiming for is something like this:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlVSDpHg7VM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/5pd6BRrDA6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

But all I think about is a Tweet that circulated the internet a few summers ago when someone ate cereal in the sun and accidentally fell asleep:

@StephenFerris6 I'm the same, fell asleep in the sun earlier with a bowl of cereal on my lap and can't sleep now. pic.twitter.com/wEqjcEhyDK

— Daniel Glavin (@GlavGlavin) June 6, 2013

In theory, these are not much different from intentionally acquiring “stylish” tan lines — although those used to be the bane of every tanner’s existence when I was growing up. I remember a turning point when suddenly everyone wanted those iconic white criss-crossed stripes on their feet indicative of the expensive sandals they wore all summer.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz9S4fpA67R/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

But whether burning or tanning, neither is good for your skin. In an interview with dermatologist Shari Marchbein, beauty website Allure highlights that “both tans and sunburns are the visible signs of DNA damage from UV exposure.” A red hot sunburn indicates that the outer layer of skin cells is inflamed and dying due to overexposure to harmful shorter UVB rays in sunlight.

Prolonged exposure to the longer UVA rays (which are also used in tanning beds) can cause the skin cells to produce extra melanin that darkens the skin’s appearance in an attempt to lessen the sun’s damage. So, whether it’s trendy to be tan or burnt, UV rays damage the skin and put one at an increased risk of developing deadly skin cancers, including melanoma.

So please, kids, don’t purposefully stay out in the sun for long periods of time — or at least wear lots of sunscreen. Your future self will be thanking you.

Are you a fan of sunburn/tan tattoos, or is this trend dangerous and unap-peeling? Let us know in the comments!

Giphy

    Primary Sidebar

    Most Popular

    4 Of The Strangest Requests People Have Put In Their Wills
    New4 Of The Strangest Requests People Have Put In Their Wills
    Anthony Yates
    4 Of The Strangest Death Bed Confessions
    New4 Strangest Death Bed Confessions
    Anthony Yates
    Bryan Cranston Reveals The Gross 'SNL' Sketch That Immediately Got Shut Down
    NewBryan Cranston Reveals The Gross ‘SNL’ Sketch That Immediately Got Shut Down
    Anthony Yates

    Editor's Picks

    5-Month-Old Injured In Queensland After E-Scooter Rider Blasts Car With Fire Extinguisher
    New5-Month-Old Injured In Queensland After E-Scooter Rider Blasts Car With Fire Extinguisher
    Anthony Yates
    Michael Jackson's Daughter Claps Back At Critics Angry About Her Performance Dates
    NewMichael Jackson’s Daughter Claps Back At Critics Angry About Her Performance Dates
    Anthony Yates

    Trending

    Kevin Costner Reveals He Won't Be Retiring Any Time Soon In Interview
    NewKevin Costner Reveals He Won’t Be Retiring Any Time Soon In Interview
    Anthony Yates
    Several Flights Cancelled At Seattle Airport After Passenger Makes 'Direct Threat'
    NewSeveral Flights Canceled At Seattle Airport After Passenger Makes ‘Direct Threat’
    Anthony Yates

    Secondary Sidebar

    Can't Miss Stories

    Dog Saves Couple As Apartment Building Goes Up In Flames
    NewDog Saves Kennewick, Washington Couple As Apartment Building Goes Up In Flames
    Anthony Yates
    Man Faces Wife's Wrath After She Overhears Confidential Call With Therapist
    NewMan Faces Wife’s Wrath After She Overhears Confidential Call With Therapist
    Anthony Yates
    Woman Narrowly Escapes $800 Fine For Failing To Declare Apple At Airport
    NewWoman Narrowly Escapes $800 Fine For Failing To Declare Apple At Airport
    Anthony Yates

    Must Reads

    Hundreds Of Ohio Residents Evacuated After Nitric Acid Leak
    NewHundreds Of Vinton County, Ohio Residents Evacuated After Nitric Acid Leak
    Anthony Yates
    Bridgerton Star Bravely Fights Off Phone Thief In Dramatic CCTV Footage
    NewBridgerton Star Bravely Fights Off Phone Thief In Dramatic CCTV Footage
    Anthony Yates

    Popular Picks

    Woman Risks Family Feud Banning Kids From Her Wedding
    NewWoman Risks Family Feud Banning Kids From Her Wedding
    Anthony Yates
    Kentucky Man Arrested After Releasing Racoon In Bar That Banned Him
    NewKentucky Man Arrested After Releasing Racoon In Bar That Banned Him
    Anthony Yates

    Helping You Look and Feel Good
    • About Us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    Do Not Sell My Personal Information Change Consent