A strange new social media craze is pushing teenagers into a dangerous game with their health. Dermatologists across the country are sounding the alarm over the rise of so-called “sunburn tattoos,” a fad where young people intentionally burn their skin in artistic patterns, often using stickers, tape, or sunscreen to leave behind temporary designs.
The idea might seem playful on the surface, but experts warn the long-term consequences are anything but. Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologic surgeon in New York City, told Fox News Digital that no matter how harmless it may appear online, every sunburn represents an actual injury to the skin. He emphasized that these burns can set the stage for both immediate and lifelong consequences.
Sunburns do more than cause pain and redness. Each time the skin is burned, ultraviolet rays penetrate the DNA of skin cells, leading to mutations that increase the risk of cancer. Over time, repeated burns accelerate the aging process and raise the likelihood of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Rossi warned that while a design might look “cool” in a photo, it is creating UV hotspots that can leave permanent damage beneath the surface.
This warning is echoed by Dr. Sara Moghaddam, a board-certified dermatologist who called the trend deeply concerning. She explained that just five blistering sunburns between the ages of 15 and 20 can increase a person’s risk of melanoma by 80 percent. That startling statistic highlights just how much danger lies behind what seems like a passing social media challenge.
Doctors say this problem isn’t new — it’s a modern twist on old habits. Rossi recalled that many of his older patients, who once used iodine, baby oil, and reflective panels to tan during their youth, now face multiple surgeries to remove pre-cancerous lesions and skin cancers. These patients provide a cautionary glimpse into what could happen to today’s teenagers who are chasing likes and attention online by deliberately harming their skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology confirms that every tan, even one that doesn’t burn, is a sign of damage. Over time, these injuries build up and compound, creating a ticking time bomb of health risks. Doctors stress that skin cancer is not something that develops overnight but rather results from years of accumulated damage.
To prevent harm, dermatologists are encouraging teens to seek out safer alternatives if they want to experiment with “tattoo” designs. Spray tans, for example, can create temporary patterns without exposing the skin to harmful rays. The active ingredient, dihydroxyacetone, reacts with the skin’s outer layer to produce a tan that fades naturally as skin cells exfoliate. Though spray tans come with some minor risks if inhaled improperly, experts say they pose far less danger than intentional burning.
Still, doctors caution that even a spray tan provides no protection against the sun. A true defense requires a consistent routine of sunscreen use, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and shade are essential tools for keeping skin healthy and reducing the odds of cancer later in life.
As Rossi put it, the damage from ultraviolet radiation is insidious. It may not show up right away, but it lingers in the body, shaping future health outcomes in ways no social media “like” could ever be worth.
For now, health experts are urging teens and their parents to treat the fad with the seriousness it deserves. The designs may disappear in a few days, but the scars — both visible and invisible — could last a lifetime.
