Skincare Experts Warn Over Rising Tanning Trends and Viral ‘Tan-Fluencer’ Risks
As soon as the first hint of summer arrives in the UK, there’s a noticeable shift. Lighter evenings, warmer days — and suddenly, the pressure to have that “summer glow” is everywhere.
But this year, the pursuit of a tan is taking a more concerning turn.
Searches for “sunbeds near me” have surged by an eye-watering 317% in just the past month, signalling a sharp rise in demand for fast-track tanning solutions. At the same time, a new wave of social media trends is pushing even riskier methods into the spotlight — and skincare experts are urging people to think twice.
The return of sunbed culture — and why it matters
Sunbeds have long been controversial, but their popularity appears to be climbing again, particularly as holidays, weddings and summer events start to fill the calendar.
For many, they offer a quick fix — a way to achieve a bronzed look without relying on unpredictable British sunshine. But the risks haven’t changed.
Exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds is strongly linked to premature ageing, skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Over time, this damage can build up, leading not just to visible changes like fine lines and uneven pigmentation, but more serious health concerns beneath the surface.
And while these warnings aren’t new, the renewed interest suggests they’re not cutting through in the way they should.
The rise of ‘tan-fluencers’ and viral tanning hacks
Alongside the return of sunbeds, a new trend is gaining traction — one that’s being driven almost entirely by social media.
Scroll for long enough and you’ll come across them: influencers promoting “miracle” tanning solutions that promise a glow without the sun. From nasal sprays to ingestible gummies, these products are racking up millions of views and fuelling curiosity, particularly among younger audiences.
The appeal is obvious. No sunburn, no UV exposure, no waiting around for gradual colour — just a shortcut to tanned skin.
But according to skincare experts, that shortcut could come with serious unknowns.
Why viral tanning products are raising red flags
Unlike traditional skincare products, many of the tanning solutions trending online fall outside of regulated safety standards in the UK.
Tanning nasal sprays, for example, are often marketed as a way to stimulate melanin production. But they may contain unregulated compounds or peptides that haven’t been properly tested for safety or long-term effects.
Tanning gummies, meanwhile, are typically sold as supplements. While they might contain ingredients like carotenoids, these are not designed to protect the skin from UV damage — nor are they proven to provide a safe or effective tan.
In short, despite how they’re marketed, these products are not medically approved methods of tanning.
And that’s where the real concern lies.
Without proper regulation, there’s no guarantee of what you’re putting into your body — or how it might affect your skin over time.
The hidden cost of chasing a glow
What makes these trends particularly worrying is how normalised they’ve become.
A quick scroll through social media can make these methods seem harmless, even aspirational. But behind the filters and before-and-after shots, the reality is far less polished.
Repeated UV exposure — whether from the sun or sunbeds — accelerates the ageing process and increases the likelihood of developing serious skin conditions. Add unregulated products into the mix, and the risks become even harder to predict.
It’s a reminder that when it comes to skincare, quicker doesn’t always mean better.
The signs you should never ignore
With tanning habits on the rise, experts are also stressing the importance of paying attention to your skin.
Spotting changes early can make a significant difference, particularly when it comes to skin cancer.
If you notice any of the following, it’s worth getting checked by a GP:
- Any new spots or moles on the skin
- A mole that looks different from others on your body
- A sore or patch of skin that doesn’t heal
- Redness or swelling beyond the border of a mole
- Colour spreading into the surrounding skin
- Persistent irritation, tenderness or discomfort
- Changes in texture, including bleeding, scaliness or lumps
These changes don’t always mean something serious — but they should never be ignored.
So, is there a safe way to tan?
The honest answer? Not in the way social media might suggest.
There’s no completely risk-free way to tan through UV exposure, and unregulated products come with too many unknowns to be considered safe alternatives.
Instead, skincare experts continue to recommend gradual self-tanning products for those who want a bronzed look, alongside daily SPF use to protect against long-term damage.
It might not be the instant result some people are looking for — but it’s a far safer option.
A shift in mindset this summer
Trends come and go, but your skin is with you for life.
And while the idea of a summer glow isn’t going anywhere, the way we achieve it needs to be reconsidered.
Because behind the viral videos and rising search trends, there’s a much bigger conversation to be had — one about health, safety, and the long-term impact of the choices we make today.
This summer, it might be time to rethink what “glowing skin” really means.
Expert commentary provided by Rhysa Phommachanh, Health and Skincare Expert at Landys Chemist.