Medical experts warn against TikTok’s ‘sunburning’ trend, citing increased cancer risk

NHS experts have warned that a “dangerous” TikTok trend could significantly increase the risk of developing cancer.

The Queen Victoria Hospital Foundation Trust in East Grinstead cautioned the public against “sunburning”—a phenomenon promoted by some social media influencers where individuals avoid using sunscreen to give their skin a “healthy boost” or intentionally burn it to cure acne.

“Trends like this not only pose an immediate danger but also have the potential to cause lifelong health issues,” said Sam Orkar, Clinical Director of the hospital’s plastics and burns services.

A TikTok spokesperson confirmed that the platform had removed several videos related to this trend for violating community guidelines.

While the West Sussex hospital reported that it had not yet seen cases related to this trend, it warned that those who adopt such practices might face severe health consequences in the future.

The health authority emphasized that repeated episodes of sunburn over a person’s life can significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer, as well as cause premature aging.

The Queen Victoria Hospital treats approximately 700 skin cancer patients annually from across Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, with this number increasing every year.

Orkar also highlighted that melanoma was the fifth most common type of cancer in the UK.

Cancer Research UK predicts a record 20,800 cases of melanoma skin cancer will be diagnosed this year—up from an annual average of 19,300 between 2020 and 2022.

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