Key Takeaways:
TikTok’s latest “sun tattoos” or “burn lines” trend is raising alarms among dermatologists. The trend, now flooding the app, has people placing stencils on their skin while tanning to create patterned tan lines. While it might look harmless and fun, experts warn it carries serious risks.
In response, La Roche-Posay partnered with top skin experts and health organizations to raise awareness among teens about the potential long-term consequences of these TikTok challenges. Through its global cancer support program and Save Our Skin (SOS) initiative, the brand aims to promote sun-safe habits and early detection by offering resources like free mole checks and public education campaigns.
La Roche-Posay partnered with leading dermatologists worldwide to amplify its sun safety message. Experts include Professor Thierry Passeron (France)—Chair of the Dermatology Department at Nice University Hospital, melanoma and pigmentation researcher, and photoprotection specialist; Professor Henry W. Lim (US)—former Chair of Dermatology at Henry Ford Health, President of the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), and sunscreen and photoprotection expert; Professor Jorge Ocampo Candiani (Mexico)—former President of the Mexican Society of Dermatological Surgery and incoming President of the 2027 World Congress of Dermatology; and Professor Sergio Schalka (Brazil)—Chair of the Latin American Alliance for Photoprotection, lead author of the Brazilian Consensus on Photoprotection, and photoprotection specialist.
"As dermatologists, we are deeply concerned by the "burn lines" trends on social media," said the group of dermatologists in a press release. "Such practices are not only reckless but directly contribute to irreparable skin damage, DNA damage, and premature aging—and significantly increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, one of the fastest-rising and deadliest cancers among the young generation."
LaRoche-Posay is taking active steps to educate and counter these dangerous behaviors. The brand is using its SOS and cancer support programs to promote the use of sun-safe habits like the use of broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen and the use of physical protection from the sun such as hats, sunglasses, and certain types of clothing, along with early skin checks.
Under the hashtag #DermsAgainstBurns, La Roche-Posay plans to amplify content to create a positive, sun-safety movement. La Roche-Posay’s SOS campaign has helped thousands of people prevent skin cancer. Since 2010, the SOS campaign has provided free mole and skin checks, as well as over 540,000 free cancer screenings. Additionally, the brand collaborates with suncare ambassadors to promote their message: “Every Day Is A Sunscreen Day.”
Although there is still a lot of work to be done in educating the public about the importance of sun safety, La Roche-Posay has committed itself to this goal.
“Just one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles the risk of skin cancer in adulthood,” Véronique Del Marmol, President of Euromelanoma, a centralized European platform for skin cancer awareness and prevention, said in a statement. Melanoma rates are expected to rise by 40% by 2040, and trends like these contribute to this problem.
The "burn lines" craze underscores the dangers of excessive sun exposure. However, increasing awareness and proactive initiatives led by La Roche-Posay and reputable health organizations present a promising way forward. Resources exist to encourage safer sun practices and provide young people with the confidence and knowledge to protect their skin. Reversing the trend of rising skin cancer rates and ensuring safer, healthier summers for future generations is possible by adopting science-backed sun protection practices and early detection.
