SHERIDAN, WYOMING – August 9, 2025 – A disturbing TikTok trend known as “Burn Lines” or “Sunburn Tattoos” is making waves among teens and young adults, and not in a good way. The viral challenge, which involves creating patterned tan lines by burning skin with the help of tape or stencils, is drawing urgent warnings from dermatologists, public health leaders, and skincare brand La Roche-Posay.
When a Viral Trend Turns Into a Lifetime of Damage
At first glance, these so-called “sun tattoos” might seem like harmless summer fun. But experts are clear: they’re anything but. “For a few seconds of buzz on social media, young people are destroying their skin cells for life. We only get one skin,” warns France’s Minister of Health. Sunburn is more than just temporary redness — it’s physical evidence of DNA damage, which over time can dramatically increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Why the ‘Burn Lines’ Challenge Is Especially Concerning
The stakes are higher than many realize. Just one severe sunburn during childhood or adolescence more than doubles the risk of melanoma later in life. Melanoma is one of the fastest-growing cancers among younger people, and prolonged unprotected sun exposure accelerates skin aging, causes permanent cell damage, and weakens the skin’s natural defense mechanisms. Dermatologists worldwide have issued a joint statement condemning the trend, calling it “reckless” and warning of its irreversible consequences.
Health Leaders Push Back Against Social Media Misinformation
Véronique Del Marmol, President of Euromelanoma, notes a troubling disconnect: while skin cancer rates are projected to rise by 40% by 2040, many teenagers still associate tanning with attractiveness. Even more concerning, 35% of parents rarely ensure their children wear protective clothing in the sun. GlobalSkin CEO Jennifer Austin adds that this trend underscores the “urgent need for clear, accessible and compassionate public education” to counter online misinformation about sun safety.
La Roche-Posay’s Campaign for Safer Sun Habits
Known for its decades-long commitment to skin health, La Roche-Posay is stepping up its efforts with the #DermsAgainstBurns campaign. This initiative amplifies advice from top dermatologists and health organizations, encouraging practical, science-backed sun protection such as wearing wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and UV-protective sunglasses; applying broad-spectrum SPF50+/UVA sunscreen to all exposed skin; and avoiding peak sun hours when UV rays are strongest.
Editorial Extra – How to Protect Yourself and Avoid Risky Trends
The easiest way to protect your skin is to make sun safety part of your daily routine. Apply sunscreen every morning, even on cloudy days. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and arms when you’ll be outside for extended periods. Seek shade during the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are most intense. And most importantly, don’t let social media trends dictate your health — short-term likes aren’t worth long-term damage.
Why This Matters for Everyone
While “Burn Lines” may seem like just another fleeting TikTok craze, the damage can last a lifetime. Public health experts stress that sun safety isn’t only for fair-skinned individuals or sunny climates — UV damage accumulates over years, and anyone can develop skin cancer. The good news is that protective habits started today can dramatically lower long-term risks.
Learn more about safe sun practices and skin health resources at La Roche-Posay’s Save Your Skin initiative, Euromelanoma, and GlobalSkin.