TikTok's ‘sun tattoo' trend prompts skin cancer warning
Young people have been posting videos on TikTok and Instagram showing shapes, including flowers, hearts or lettering, on their skin where they have applied small amounts of sunscreen. The patterns contrast with the surrounding burnt or tanned skin, which they have deliberately left unprotected.
Doctors are horrified and Yannick Neuder, the health minister who is a cardiologist by training, has posted his own video on social media warning that the practice could cause serious skin damage or cancer in later life.
'Your skin is your life and you've only got one. Don't sacrifice it for 30 seconds of buzz [by] deliberately burning your skin for a TikTok or Instagram video,' he said.
Many observers were sceptical, however, that the video, in which the bespectacled 56-year-old minister appears in a suit and tie, would succeed in influencing teenagers.
In July and August, French beaches are packed with sunbathers enjoying les grandes vacances despite repeated warnings by the national health authority that 'there is no such thing as a healthy tan'.
Another harmful social media trend gaining popularity among young people in France this summer is applying olive oil and lemon juice to accelerate tanning.
'This can lead to second-degree burns, permanent dark spots or wrinkles because it provides no protection and can even increase the effect of UV rays,' Dr Gérald Kierzek said.
France reports up to 250,000 cases of skin cancer a year according to Neuder, who warned that even factor 50 sunscreen does not block all harmful UV. He advised wearing a wide-brimmed hat, specially treated clothing to protect against UV, and avoiding exposure when the sun is at its strongest.
Dr Aamer Khan of the Harley Street Skin Clinic in London said: 'With melanoma cases among the most common in the UK, it's important that we educate people on the risks of taking part in these trends. Each time you're sunburnt, your chances of skin cancer multiply.
'What most people are unaware of is that your skin changing colour through the tanning process is actually a warning sign from your body, as it produces melanin in order to prevent further UV damage.'
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Alan Milburn is paid for corporate advice via his consultancy firm AM Strategy, with he and his family having received dividends of more than £5 million between 2017 and 2023, according to Companies House records. The most recent accounts for the 12 months to March last year showed the company's assets had grown from £5.3 million to £6.2 million. As well as Bridgepoint, the former New Labour politician has been a longstanding advisor to consultancy PwC's health practice, confectionery giant Mars and US healthcare firm Centene Corporation. An MP until 2010, he received £25,000 a year to sit on the board of Lloyds Pharmacy, and £20,000 a year on the advisory board of PepsiCo UK, according to the register of members' interests. After My Dentist, the second biggest chain – all of which offer NHS treatments – is Bupa, with 389 practices. Last year, the firm's overall pre-tax profits soared 72 per cent from £564 million to £972 million. 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