New Delhi: Videos of people standing or lying under the blazing sun have recently gone viral on social media as part of a trend known as “Tanmaxing.” The trend involves deliberately spending long hours in direct sunlight to achieve a deeper, tanned complexion. Gaining popularity online, Tanmaxing encourages users to embrace darker skin tones through prolonged sun exposure.
Such trends often resurface during the summer months, influencing more people to spend extended periods in the sun in pursuit of the desired tan.
What is tanmaxing and why is it trending?
This trend of tanmaxing has become popular on TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms. The social media influencers motivate people to remain in the sun for a long time. During the afternoon, when the UV levels are the highest, staying in the sunlight is promoted without any sunscreen or protection so that a deep tan can be achieved. People want to get a bronze coloured skin, which makes them interested in a base tan and a tanning routine.
What is the truth about tanmaxing?
Even after getting popular on social media, tanmaxing can cause serious damage to the skin. Tan is the effect our skin shows when exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. By coming under the UV rays, the muscles of the skin can be damaged. This can accelerate the skin ageing process and even increase the risk of skin cancer. There is nothing like a healthy tan. A person must know the risks of tanning so that they can protect their skin.
A tan is the reaction to the damage UV rays cause to the skin, and repeated exposure poses the risk of early ageing and skin cancer. According to skin specialists, there is no safe way to tan by exposing yourself to UV rays. Tanning means the increase in pigmentation of the skin due to exposure to UV rays.
