I "spotted" this trend on social media over the weekend (pun intended). I'm out. And so are dermatologists. Sunburn tattoos.
The trend that first tried to happen in 2015, is heating up for the summer 2019 season and doctors are warning against it.
It works like this: People place stencils on exposed skin and head outside to soak up some rays. When that mission is complete, they remove the stencils to reveal “semi-permanent” designs in paler skin tones.
It wasn’t long before #sunburntattoo posts were popping up on Twitter and Instagram. Everything from the Batman logo to the Playboy bunny has been posted. Doctors say fooling around with the deadly UV rays from the sun is no laughing matter and that we should always wear a healthy amount of sunscreen before going outside for long periods of time in the sun.
Of course, the health risks should be obvious. But who is getting a sunburn on purpose? I sometimes forget to get enough sunscreen on the back of my neck and I HATE that burning sensation just under my collar. Or that moment when I am in the shower and soap hits a red patch on my skin...YOW!
In fact, WHO would find these things attractive? I suppose it's just another way to get attention on Instagram.