Bengaluru Doctors Warn Viral Tanmaxxing Trend Causes UV Damage and Skin Risks

Medical specialists in Bengaluru, including Dr Rashmi Sriram, a dermatologist at Fortis Hospital in Rajajinagar, have warned against the viral online trend of "tanmaxxing," cautioning that deliberately seeking a deeper tan results in cellular UV damage rather than a beauty boost.

The viral trend has gained traction across social media platforms, encouraging people to spend extended hours outdoors, apply tanning oils, and skip sunscreen to darken their skin tone. Dermatologists have pushed back against the practice, clarifying that a tan is the skin's biological defence response to radiation rather than a sign of good health.

According to Dr Sriram, ultraviolet rays damage the DNA of skin cells upon contact, prompting melanocytes to produce more melanin to shield tissue from further harm. She noted that while the resulting darkening serves as a defence mechanism, it does not fully prevent UV injury. Cumulative cell damage from repeated tanning increases the risk of dark spots, premature skin ageing, and skin cancer over time, meaning no UV tan is entirely safe.

Dr Selva Seetharaman S, a plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgery specialist at Gleneagles Hospital, reported seeing younger patients arriving with rashes, tanning, and pigmentation issues after being influenced by online videos promoting sun exposure.

Doctors highlighted that UV radiation breaks down essential collagen and elastin fibres, causing fine lines, wrinkles, and reduced skin elasticity. The exposure can also worsen melasma, cause roughness and dryness, and suppress local immune function. While darker complexions contain more melanin, experts stressed that natural protection is limited, leaving individuals still susceptible to sunburn, photoageing, and malignancies.

Creators have also observed the trend's influence. Travel and fitness influencer Sandhya Majji noted a shift toward bronzed complexions but cautioned that healthy skin should take precedence over changing beauty standards. Lifestyle creator Neha Chatlani stated that creators must avoid framing potentially harmful habits as aspirational lifestyles.

To safeguard against UV radiation, Dr Sriram recommended using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, applied 20 to 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours or following perspiration. Doctors also advised using protective clothing, sunglasses, hats, and seeking shade during peak UV hours.