The Resurgence of Tanning: Experts Weigh in on Skin Safety

WHO:

AP News - Nichole Sims, a melanoma survivor, shares her experience with tanning.

AP News - Dr. Pedram Gerami, a researcher at Northwestern University’s medical school.

AP News - Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

AP News - Sherry Pagoto, a psychologist and professor at the University of Connecticut.

AP News - American Cancer Society, American Academy of Dermatology, World Health Organization.

WHAT:

AP News - More than 100,000 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2026.

AP News - About 8,500 people are expected to die from melanoma in 2026.

AP News - Tanning bed users have nearly three times the risk of developing melanoma compared to nonusers.

AP News - The DNA mutation rate of melanocytes in tanning bed users is more than double that of nonusers.

AP News - Using tanning beds before age 20 can increase the chances of developing melanoma by 47%.

AP News - California became the first state to ban tanning beds for minors in 2012.

WHERE:

AP News - California, the first state to ban tanning beds for minors.

WHEN:

AP News - The FDA withdrew a proposed rule in March that would have barred anyone under 18 years old from using tanning beds in the U.S.

WHY:

AP News - Experts are concerned about the resurgence in the popularity of tanning among young adults due to social media influence.

AP News - More than one-fifth of young adults prioritize getting a tan over protecting their skin.

AP News - Many young adults believe misconceptions about tanning, such as having a “base tan” protects against sunburn.

HOW:

AP News - Dr. Gerami's team examined DNA sequences of melanocytes from tanning bed users and nonusers.

AP News - TikTok users track the UV index to tan when it is at its peak, disregarding expert warnings.

(UPDATED July 30, 2026 22:28 UTC)

In 2026, more than 100,000 new cases of melanoma are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S., with about 8,500 people projected to die from the disease. Experts are raising alarms about the rising popularity of tanning among young adults, particularly influenced by social media, as many prioritize getting a tan over skin protection and hold onto misconceptions about tanning's safety. Research shows that tanning bed users face nearly three times the risk of developing melanoma compared to nonusers, and using tanning beds before age 20 can increase the chances of developing melanoma by 47%.