Tanning Is Getting Hot Again. Here's What It Really Does to Your Skin.

Tanning beds are once again gaining popularity among young people, particularly on social media platforms. A video of a girl promoting tanning and flaunting a tan line has garnered millions of views, while many commenters mock the earth's impending doom and prefer tanning over paleness. In 2026, more than 100,000 new melanomas are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S., with an estimated 8,500 deaths from melanoma. Some influencers even encourage the use of tanning beds.

Research conducted at Northwestern University's medical school revealed that tanning bed users have nearly three times the risk of developing melanoma compared to non-users. The DNA mutation rate in melanocytes, cells that can develop into moles, melanoma, or other cancers, was more than double in tanning bed users. This suggests that even a few mutations from tanning bed use can prime cells to develop melanoma.

Gen Z adults, especially, are less informed about sun protection and more susceptible to misconceptions about tanning. A 2025 survey by the American Academy of Dermatology found that over 20% of young adults prioritized tanning over skin protection, and more than half believed myths like having a base tan prevents sunburn. Some TikTok videos even ridicule expert warnings about the increased risk of skin cancer from unprotected UV exposure, while others promote tanning during peak UV hours.

Despite the risks, the FDA withdrew a proposed rule in March that would have banned tanning bed use for minors in the U.S. The World Health Organization classifies tanning beds as cancer-causing agents, similar to tobacco and asbestos. California was the first state to ban tanning beds for minors in 2012, with more than a dozen states following suit. However, the FDA's decision has raised concerns about sending mixed messages to the public.