WINNIPEG – It may be art to some, but to the local chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society, “suntan tattoos” are simply “foolish.”
The practice involves spraying sunscreen onto a specific patch of skin, and then in some cases deliberately sunburning everything around it so the white patch stands out.
Under the hashtag #sunburntatoos, images can be found of Batman, the Mona Lisa and various geometric designs.
READ MORE: ‘Tan tattoos’ or ‘sunburn art’ gaining popularity among youth
Some use stencils to create the desired effect but to achieve it, many are also allowing their skin to be severely sunburned.
Erin Crawford of the Manitoba chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society said the cosmetic result is temporary, but the impact could be permanent.
“It’s a foolish risk that people are taking,” said Crawford. “I think they think this is just a neat thing they can do and its going to be gone in a few days, but that risk stays with them forever.”
Every year 3,400 Manitobans are diagnosed with skin cancer, and every bit of UV exposure adds to the risk, Crawford said.
Research shows those who have high UV exposure before the age of 35 have a 59 per cent increased risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
When Global News showed the images to bathers at Birds Hill Park, reactions were mixed. Some said they would be willing to give them a try, but wouldn’t be willing to burn them into their skin, instead, Ashley Sullivan said she would consider trying to get the results through a tan.
“I would maybe consider that,” said Sullivan. “That’s pretty cool.”
But the Cancer Society says tans are a sign of skin damage too.
“Anytime your skin changes color, that damage is increasing your risk of cancer down the road,” said Crawford.
This year approximately 1,050 Canadians are expected to die from Melanoma.
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