TikTok users have come up with a very strange "remedy" for acne: sunburn. Health experts are however asking people not to try it. Photo: AFP
It seems despite all the information about the damage it causes, overexposure to the sun is continuing to inspire some absurd and harmful beauty trends.
The latest? Using UV rays to supposedly clear up acne and other skin imperfections.
Getting a sunburn has become one of this season's hottest – and perhaps most dangerous – beauty trend as some influencers seek out perfect skin. Instead of being content with a light, safe tan, some enthusiasts are basking in the scorching sun for hours on end in a bid to achieve smooth, blemish-free skin.
Numerous videos of influencers showing off their intensive tanning sessions to get rid of their pimples have gone viral on TikTok.
One such video, for example, has racked up nearly two million views, with the influencer showing her face exposed to UV rays in the hope of making her imperfections disappear.
Read more: Social media users are turning to DIY sunscreen, but experts caution against it
But does the sun actually have the power to make skin clearer?
According to a recent report by dermatology experts at Eucerin, UV rays do have an “immunosuppressive” and therefore an “anti-inflammatory” effect.
New York-based dermatologist Jennifer Chwalek explains in an article for Teen Vogue: “Sunlight is composed of different wavelengths and some wavelengths can have anti-inflammatory effects on the skin and can suppress acne-causing bacteria.”
She adds, according to the media outlet, that new evidence shows that vitamin D, which is obtained through sun exposure as well as certain foods, "may play a role in sebum production and pore health".
Protect your skin first and foremost
While these facts may explain why the sun can temporarily improve skin's appearance, it doesn't mean you should follow this dangerous trend.
In fact, Jennifer Chwalek emphasises that people who get sunburned are more likely to develop skin cancer and sun damage.
Jennifer A Stein, a dermatologist at NYU Langone, points out in a New York Post article: “It is estimated that one in five of us will get skin cancer during our lifetime.”
She urges: “The best way to protect yourself from UV rays is to cover up. The more of your skin you cover, the less you have to depend on sunscreen for protection.”
Read more: When it comes to skincare, applying sun protection is simply non-negotiable
This isn't the first time that unusual sun-related trends have invaded social networks.
Recently, “heat stroke makeup” – imitating sunburn with blush – won over makeup fans. Last year, it was “SPF contouring”, a technique that involves playing with the application of sunscreen to create sculpted areas on the face.
It's important to remember that while some trends may seem appealing or effective in the short term, they can have serious health consequences.
Rather than risk permanent skin damage, it's best to consult a dermatologist for safe solutions to your skin problems. – AFP Relaxnews
