Tanning's resurgence raises fresh concerns about skin cancer risk
A rise in indoor tanning among young people, fueled by social media, is prompting health experts to warn about heightened melanoma risk.
TikTok and similar apps are driving a new wave of indoor tanning, as videos boasting "tanning secrets" garner millions of views. Northwestern University scientists reported that people who use tanning beds have a threefold higher chance of developing melanoma, with their skin cells showing more than double the mutation rate of non-users. The American Cancer Society projects over 100,000 new melanoma cases and roughly 8,500 deaths in the United States this year.
A 2025 American Academy of Dermatology survey revealed that a sizable share of young adults prioritize a tan over skin protection and believe myths such as a "base tan" offering safety. Meanwhile, the FDA pulled a proposed regulation that would have prohibited anyone under 18 from using tanning beds, citing concerns about unintended consequences.
Why it matters
Increasing tanning bed use among youth could lead to more melanoma cases, a preventable but serious cancer.
In this story