U.S. Tanning Trend Fuels Rising Melanoma Risk Among Young Adults

Social‑media “tanfluencers” have sparked a resurgence of intentional outdoor tanning and tanning‑bed use among U.S. youths. A JAMA Dermatology study found 36% of women and 27% of men tan on purpose, with 52% of 18‑ to‑24‑year‑old women reporting frequent tanning. Dermatologists warn that ultraviolet exposure from both sun and beds causes DNA mutations that can lead to melanoma. Maral Skelsey of the Skin Cancer Foundation called the trend “really disturbing,” while Jacob Beer noted that “tanning goes hand in hand with UV damage.”

Research by Dr. Pedram Gerami at Northwestern University showed tanning‑bed users have three times the risk of melanoma and double the mutation rate in melanocytes compared with outdoor sun exposure. The American Cancer Society projects more than 100,000 new melanoma cases in the U.S. in 2026 and roughly 8,500 deaths. Survivor Nichole Sims, diagnosed with melanoma after years of bed tanning, now uses her platform to counter misinformation, stressing that many young people “live in the moment” without considering the risks. Health officials continue to urge sunscreen use and caution against the perceived safety of indoor tanning.