Sunburn Art is a NO NO!

“Sunburn art,” a social media craze gaining popularity among young people.

If you haven’t heard of it, sunburn art is a deliberate sunburn in a design or pattern. It’s created by exposing certain parts of the skin to the sun without any sunscreen and causing severe sunburn to these areas.

Take a quick glance at the image that show just how elaborate people are getting with it with dangerous craze. Designs includes everything from flowers and hearts to the Batman symbol. The trend has spread itself on social media, with Twitter and Instagram users posting pictures with the hashtag #SunburnArt.

The Skin Cancer Foundation is warning people of the dangers. Dr. Deborah Sarnoff, from the Skin Cancer Foundation releases a statement on the organization’s website.
“Sunburns cause DNA damage to the skin, accelerate skin aging, and increase your lifetime skin cancer risk. In fact, sustaining five or more sunburns in youth increases lifetime melanoma risk by 80 percent. On average, a person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns.”

We hope that this dangerous fad fades stops, it’s most definitely not art, it’s simply destruction of the skin, and it’s irresponsible. There’s nothing pretty about skin cancer. We recommend a complete sun-protection regimen that includes daily sunscreen use of at least SPF 30, seeking shade whenever possible, wearing protective clothing and a hat and sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays.