Tan-maxxing is a growing social media trend that encourages people to achieve the darkest tan possible through prolonged sun exposure, frequent tanning bed use, or even the use of products like Melanotan. While a tan is often associated with health or beauty, it is a visible sign of skin damage. When ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the skin, they damage DNA within skin cells, triggering the production of melanin as the body’s attempt to protect itself. Unfortunately, that protective response cannot prevent all the harm caused by UV radiation.
Tanning beds are especially dangerous because they expose the skin to intense doses of UVA and UVB radiation, sometimes at levels even stronger than the midday sun. Both the World Health Organization and the International Agency for Research on Cancer classify indoor tanning devices as Group 1 carcinogens (the same category as tobacco smoke and asbestos). Research shows that using a tanning bed before the age of 30 increases the risk of melanoma by 75%, and the risk continues to climb with repeated use. Even more concerning, indoor tanning increases the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by 58% and basal cell carcinoma by 24%. Beyond skin cancer, UV exposure accelerates collagen breakdown, leading to premature wrinkles, sagging skin, brown spots, uneven pigmentation, enlarged blood vessels, and a leathery skin texture years before these changes would naturally occur.
Another trend gaining traction online is Melanotan, a synthetic peptide marketed as a shortcut to achieving a darker tan. Often sold as injections or nasal sprays, Melanotan is not approved by the FDA and is commonly purchased through unregulated online retailers. Because these products are not regulated, there is no guarantee of their purity, dosage, or safety. Reported side effects include nausea, facial flushing, headaches, increased blood pressure, and changes in existing moles, or the development of new pigmented lesions. Even more concerning, many users still rely on sun exposure or tanning beds to deepen their tan after taking Melanotan, compounding their UV damage. While there is currently no definitive evidence that Melanotan directly causes melanoma, there have been multiple case reports that describe melanoma and dysplastic nevi arising during or shortly after use. Also, its long-term safety remains unknown, and dermatologists strongly discourage its use because of the potential risks and lack of oversight.
Instead of chasing a temporary tan, consider embracing the growing trend of skin-maxxing—investing in the long-term health and appearance of your skin. Unlike tan-maxxing, skin-maxxing focuses on habits and treatments that provide lasting benefits rather than permanent damage. Simple lifestyle changes, such as applying a broad-spectrum, zinc-based sunscreen every day, seeking shade whenever possible, avoiding outdoor activities during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), wearing sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, and choosing a sunless tanning product instead of UV exposure can dramatically reduce cumulative sun damage while helping maintain healthy, youthful skin.
At Hamilton Dermatology, we love helping patients build a personalized skin-maxxing routine. Medical-grade skincare products are formulated with clinically proven ingredients that improve skin health at a deeper level than many over-the-counter products. Chemical peels, customized facials, and advanced laser treatments can target sun damage, pigmentation, acne, fine lines, uneven texture, and collagen loss while stimulating healthier, stronger skin. The best glow isn’t one that fades after summer—it’s healthy, protected skin that continues to improve with time. Your future self will thank you for choosing skin health over sun damage.
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