Nichole Sims started using a tanning bed at 15 and was diagnosed with melanoma eight years later. She now shares her experience to counter misinformation on social media that touts tanning as a mood booster and beauty requirement.
Resurgence in Tanning Popularity
Experts are concerned about a resurgence in the popularity of tanning among young adults as social media has helped tanning make a comeback. A video of a girl sharing her “tanning secrets” has racked up over 11 million views, with some commenters joking about the risks.
More than 100,000 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2026, and about 8,500 people are expected to die from melanoma, according to the American Cancer Society. Some influencers are encouraging the use of tanning beds, which can emit more than 10 times as much UV light as the sun.
Risks of Tanning Beds
Dr. Pedram Gerami and his team at Northwestern University’s medical school found that tanning bed users have nearly three times the risk of developing melanoma as those who do not use tanning beds. The DNA mutation rate of melanocytes in tanning bed users was more than double that of nonusers.
Gen Z adults are less informed about sun protection and more likely to believe misconceptions about tanning, according to a 2025 survey by the American Academy of Dermatology. More than one-fifth of young adults said they prioritized getting a tan over protecting their skin.
Experts warn that there is no such thing as a safe tan and that using tanning beds before age 20 can increase the chances of developing melanoma by 47%. California became the first state to ban tanning beds for minors in 2012, and many other states have followed suit.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
