"Social media is abuzz with the popularity of tanned bodies; here's the scientific take on 'safe tanning' practises"
In the realm of digital health and beauty, SunKiss AI, a personal tanning coach app, has been making waves. The app, designed to provide users with a tailored tanning routine based on their skin type and goals, has sparked debate about its impact on skin health.
While the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies UV radiation from the sun and sunbeds as a Group 1 carcinogen, there is no clear evidence that SunKiss AI promotes unsafe tanning practices despite medical warnings on UV exposure and skin cancer risk. The app reportedly helps users achieve a tan by calculating an ideal routine, including suggested tanning time and SPF use, which implies it aims to promote controlled and safer tanning habits rather than encouraging reckless UV exposure.
On the other hand, the trend of following tan lines on TikTok could result in a far more permanent and larger scar than intended. Each episode of sunburn causes DNA damage at a cellular level, increasing the risk of skin cancer and accelerating skin's natural ageing process. Consequently, it's crucial to prioritize sun protection and avoid excessive UV exposure.
In contrast, the ABCDE checklist is a helpful tool for spotting potentially dangerous moles. If a mole shows two or more of these features - asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple or uneven colors, a diameter more than 6mm, and evolving moles - it's best to have it reviewed by a GP or dermatologist. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop in new or existing moles.
Dr Phillips recommends using the ABCDE checklist to spot concerning changes in moles. A mole with a diameter more than 6mm or the presence of multiple or uneven colors is a sign of concern according to the checklist. Notched, irregular, or scalloped borders are also signs of concern.
It's essential to remember that there is no such thing as a healthy tan; tanning damages skin cells and can lead to skin cancer. When a suspicious mole is removed, it's usually excised in the shape of an ellipse, along with a 2mm margin of healthy skin, and sent for laboratory testing to confirm the diagnosis.
In summary, current information suggests SunKiss AI promotes personalized tanning routines that consider safe practices rather than encouraging unsafe tanning despite health warnings. Meanwhile, the trend of following tan lines on social media platforms like TikTok could lead to harmful UV exposure and potential skin damage. It's crucial to prioritize sun protection and regular mole checks using tools like the ABCDE checklist to ensure skin health.
- In the digital realm of health and wellness, SunKiss AI, a personal tanning coach app, is stirring controversy with its tailored tanning routines.
- Although UV radiation is classified as a carcinogen by the World Health Organization, there's no evidence linking SunKiss AI to unwarranted tanning.
- On a contrasting note, the prevalent TikTok trend of chasing tan lines could lead to permanent scarring and an increased risk of skin cancer through DNA damage.
- The ABCDE checklist acts as a valuable tool in identifying potentially harmful moles, enabling users to detect signs of melanoma early and seek professional advice.
- As per Dr Phillips, using the ABCDE checklist helps spot concerning changes in moles, particularly those with diameters exceeding 6mm, multiple colors, and irregular borders.
- A tan, no matter how acquired, does not equate to healthy skin, as any form of tanning harms skin cells and may contribute to skin cancer.
