Horrified Experts Issue Stark Warning After Woman Uses Cooking Oil as Tan Accelerator While Sunbathing

A recent social media trend has left health experts 'horrified' after a young woman shared her supposed tanning hack, which involves using cooking oil to accelerate the tan. Courts Ingham, 22, posted a TikTok video showing how she spritzes Frylight's golden sunflower oil on her legs while sunbathing in the UK, claiming the results are 'so worth it'. However, experts are now warning that this practice is 'extremely dangerous' and can lead to severe skin damage and even skin cancer.

Dr. Sophie Momnen, a consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic, described the trend as 'horrifying' and emphasized that cooking oils are not formulated for skin application, especially under intense UV exposure. 'Spraying a substance like Frylight onto your skin while sunbathing can act like a magnifying glass, intensifying the sun's rays and increasing the risk of severe sunburn, heat damage, and long-term cellular injury,' she warned.

Dr. Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics skin clinics, also expressed concern about the dangers of using cooking oil in the sun. 'There is no such thing as a safe tan,' he said. 'Just one sunburn in your lifetime can potentially lead to skin cancer down the line.' He noted that getting badly sunburnt can lead to sunstroke, which in extreme cases may be fatal.

Both experts urged Brits to use sunscreen with at least SPF30 while basking in the sunshine and to prioritize sun safety. 'Always use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, seek shade during peak hours (11am-3pm), and avoid unsafe TikTok "hacks",' Dr. Momnen advised.

It's worth noting that this trend is not new, as some people have been using cooking oil as a tanning accelerator since the 1970s. However, with the growing awareness of the risks associated with UVA rays and skin cancer, it's surprising to see that some individuals are still falling for this 'harmless' hack.

The reaction to Courts Ingham's video on social media has been mixed, ranging from concern to outrage. Many viewers expressed shock and alarm at her reckless behavior, with one person writing: "Dermatologists are crying rn." Another viewer warned: "This sent me to hospital girl be careful." A fourth added: "Literally frying yourself."

In conclusion, while it may seem like an easy way out for a tan, using cooking oil as a tanning accelerator is not worth the risks. Experts stress that sun safety should always be the top priority, and we urge everyone to take heed of their warnings.