The TikTok “Tan Lines” Trend Is Putting Teens at Risk — Here’s What Parents Need to Know

 

It’s summer, which means sun, school break, and — if you’re a parent — probably a lot of TikTok in your teenager’s daily routine. But while some trends are harmless dance challenges or funny filters, others can be dangerous. One of the latest to go viral? The “tan lines trend”.

What Is the “Tan Lines Trend”?

This trend encourages teens to tan under extremely high UV conditions just to get visible tan lines — all for looks. Many teens are now using weather apps and UV trackers to find the time of day when the sun’s rays are strongest, aiming for a deeper, faster tan. Some TikTok users have even recorded themselves tanning during UV index levels of 13, which is considered extremely dangerous.

Why This Trend Is So Concerning

This tanning obsession comes with serious health risks. Here’s what everyone should understand:

·        UV rays cause skin damage. They don’t just give you a tan — they damage DNA, age the skin prematurely, and can lead to skin cancer.

·        Sunburns are not just burns. They’re signs that your skin has been overwhelmed by UV radiation, triggering inflammation and long-term harm.

·        Teens are especially vulnerable. Because sun damage accumulates over time, habits formed now can lead to serious consequences later.

Understanding UV Radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes from the sun, and the two main types that affect our health are UV-A and UV-B:

·        UV-A: Penetrates deep into the skin and contributes to aging and wrinkles.

·        UV-B: Responsible for sunburn and direct DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer.

The EPA’s UV Index helps you track UV levels in your area (by zip code or current location). The scale goes from 1 (Low) to 11+ (Extreme). Anything above 6 means you need to take serious precautions if you're spending time outside.

Common Myths About Tanning

Let’s clear up some quick misconceptions:

🚫 “A base tan protects me.” False. A tan is already a sign of skin damage.

🚫 “You can’t get sunburned on a cloudy day.” False. Up to 80% of UV rays still reach your skin on overcast days.

🚫 “Only fair-skinned people need sunscreen.” Also, false. All skin types can experience sun damage and skin cancer.

What a Sunburn Actually Does to Your Body

Sunburn is more than just red, painful skin. It’s your body’s alarm bell.

When your skin gets too much UV exposure, your body increases blood flow to the area to repair damaged cells. This causes swelling, redness, blistering, and peeling. Over time, this damage adds up and increases your risk of:

·        Melanoma

·        Basal cell carcinoma

·        Squamous cell carcinoma

These are three of the most common skin cancers — all linked to UV radiation.

How to Protect Yourself (and Your Teen)

Good news: protecting your skin is easy with a few daily habits.

✅ Choose the Right Sunscreen:

·        Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher

·        Reapply every two hours (more often if swimming or sweating)

·        Look for mineral sunscreens (like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) if you have sensitive skin

🧢 Dress Smart:

·        Wear long sleeves, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses

·        Stick to the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

⏰ Set Reminders:

·        Use a phone timer to remind yourself or your teen to reapply sunscreen

·        Encourage checking the EPA UV Index each morning before outdoor plans

A Final Word for Parents and Teens

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good or feel confident — but there’s nothing healthy about chasing tan lines under extreme sun exposure. Skin damage is cumulative, permanent, and preventable. Teaching sun safety now lays the foundation for lifelong skin health.

So, let’s raise awareness, bust some myths, and maybe even make sunscreen the next TikTok trend. Because nothing looks better than healthy, protected skin — no filter required.

Meet the Texas Panhandle Poison Center: Science That Saves Lives

Ever wonder who’s on the other end of the line when you call a poison helpline? In the Texas Panhandle, it’s the experts at the Texas Panhandle Poison Center (TPPC) — a team of science-based professionals working 24/7 to keep people safe.

Part of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Amarillo, TPPC has been helping Texans since 1994 by providing fast, accurate info when it comes to poison exposures. Whether it’s a curious toddler who got into the cleaning supplies or a medication mix-up, TPPC’s trained nurses and pharmacists (called Poison Information Specialists) are just a call away at 1-800-222-1222.

TPPC covers a huge area — 71 counties in northwest Texas, serving more than 1.4 million people. And they don’t just answer emergency calls. They also run science-based outreach programs in schools and communities to help prevent poisonings before they happen.

One of their coolest projects? Medication Cleanout™ (MCO) — a nationally recognized take-back program that helps people safely dispose of old or unused meds. It keeps harmful drugs out of the wrong hands and out of the environment. Since 2009, TPPC has collected over 55,000 pounds of medication through these events!

So, if you're into science, health, or public safety, TPPC is a real-world example of how STEM careers make a direct impact. Whether it's research, outreach, or emergency response, this team is all about using knowledge to protect people and the planet.