What is 'beer tanning' and why you should avoid it
What's the story
Social media is not new to bizarre and unconventional trends, and one of the latest ones to emerge is called "beer tanning." People are going nuts for it on TikTok, Instagram, X formerly Twitter, and Facebook. They claim it is a natural and safe way to get that awesome sun-kissed glow. However, dermatologists and medical experts are warning against this dangerous and misguided trend.
Beer tanning
What is beer tanning?
Beer tanning is all about slathering beer on your skin while you soak up the sun, with the hope of getting a perfect tan in no time. According to those who swear by it, beer's yeast and other components stimulate melanin production, leading to a faster and deeper tan. However, this has no scientific foundation and following it could be harmful to your skin.
Red flags
Can increase the risk of skin cancer
Dustin Portela, a board-certified dermatologist with over two million followers on his TikTok account, as quoted by Highsnobiety, warned, "Any method to accelerate tanning is leading to more skin damage and increasing the risk of skin cancer." He also emphasized that the only thing you should put on your skin before hitting the beach is sunscreen, not alcohol.
Risks
Can trigger allergic reactions
According to Portela, applying alcohol to the skin can remove natural oils and moisture, leaving it dry and more vulnerable to sun damage. Also, using beer on the skin may result in irritation and allergic reactions. Moreover, depending on the beer's ingredients, like added flavorings, there's a risk of experiencing a painful phototoxic reaction called phytophotodermatitis, which could take several weeks to resolve.
Alternative
So, how can you achieve the perfect tan?
According to Caroline Brooks, a skin specialist and founder of The Glasshouse Salon & Spa, told PA Media, the safest and most effective method to achieve a sun-kissed glow is by using "self-tanning products or spray tans" that are specifically designed for this purpose. Emphasizing the importance of skin health, she urges everyone to consider their skin's well-being when exploring beauty or tanning trends.