A viral trend on TikTok encouraging users to create “suncream tattoos” by applying sunscreen in stencil-like patterns to leave designs on sun-exposed skin has raised concern among health and beauty professionals. A video promoting the trend has already gained over one million views. Cult Beauty and medical experts are urging the public to avoid this practice, especially as UK temperatures are expected to exceed 30° Celsius this week. While the trend may appear creative, it carries serious risks such as sunburn, premature ageing, long-term skin damage, and increased chances of skin cancer.
Trifonia Asmar, a beauty expert at Cult Beauty, expressed concern about the trend. She said: “We’re all here for creative self-expression, but sun safety should never be compromised, especially not for the sake of a social media trend. Using sunscreen sparingly or selectively, as seen in this video, defeats its purpose and puts your skin at serious risk of sunburn, premature ageing, and long-term damage. A temporary ‘tattoo’ just isn’t worth compromising your skin health for.”
Asmar’s warning highlights the harm caused by leaving large areas of skin unprotected from ultraviolet radiation, particularly during periods of extreme heat. This message is especially important given that 60% of UK adults do not know the correct amount of sunscreen to use, according to data from Cult Beauty.
Effective protection requires proper sunscreen application. Experts recommend using about two teaspoons of sunscreen for each main body area. This includes the face and neck, each arm, each leg, the chest and stomach, and the back and shoulders. For instance, one teaspoon should be used per arm or leg to ensure even coverage.
The recommended technique involves shaking the bottle to avoid clumping, using the three-finger rule for the face and neck, applying small dots across the body, and massaging the product until it is fully absorbed. Special attention should be paid to often-missed areas such as the ears, hands, feet, and neck. Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before exposure to sunlight.
Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy also offered guidance for staying safe in the sun. She explained that overexposure can result in serious conditions such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and melanoma. “Getting sunburnt once every two years triples your risk of being diagnosed with skin cancer, melanoma, compared to someone who has not been sunburnt,” she said.
Dr Lee advised limiting sun exposure to 15–30 minutes daily depending on skin tone, and avoiding direct sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm. She recommended using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a four or five star UVA rating, and choosing SPF 50 for people with fair or easily burnt skin.
Additional suggestions include wearing loose, light-coloured clothing, seeking shade when outdoors, using cold compresses to stay cool, drinking at least three litres of water daily, and avoiding sugary or fizzy drinks. To protect the eyes and face, people should wear sunglasses with ultraviolet filters and wide-brimmed hats that can block up to half of ultraviolet rays.
According to the NHS, skin cancer rates in the UK have increased by 34% in the past decade. Melanoma is now the fifth most common cancer in the country. The rise of trends like suncream tattoos may worsen these risks by promoting improper sunscreen use.
Cult Beauty and Dr Lee agree that while social media can be a space for creativity, it should not come at the cost of public health. Asmar concluded, “Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step in your skincare routine every day, not just a tool for temporary art.” By following expert guidance, people can enjoy the sun safely without taking risks inspired by viral trends.
