Archive · 17 Sep 2026
TikTok Sunburning Acne Trend Draws Dermatologists’ Warnings
Some people on TikTok are trying to treat acne by getting sunburned.
They believe sunlight can make their skin clearer.
This practice is called “sunburning.”
It is being used instead of regular acne creams or medicines.
Haley Wenthold, who is 19, said in a popular video that it worked for her.
Her video received millions of views.
Dermatologists warn that this approach can make skin problems worse.
Repeated sunburns can greatly increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
People should ask a health professional before trying a new skin routine.
Young people are exposing their skin to sunlight to try to clear acne.
The practice, called “sunburning,” has spread widely on TikTok.
Users claim ultraviolet rays can help “heal” acne instead of using creams or medications.
Nineteen-year-old content creator Haley Wenthold said the method “actually works” in a viral video.
Repeated sunburns significantly raise skin-cancer risk, including the risk of melanoma.
- Who
- Young people using TikTok, including 19-year-old content creator Haley Wenthold, are promoting or discussing the practice; dermatologists are warning about its risks.
- What
- A TikTok trend encourages exposing acne-prone skin to the sun, sometimes until it becomes sunburned, in hopes of improving acne.
- When
- The article does not specify when the trend began; it says the practice has recently drawn widespread attention on TikTok.
- Where
- The trend is spreading on TikTok and other social-media discussions.
- Why
- Participants believe ultraviolet exposure can “heal” acne, while dermatologists warn that sunburns can worsen skin problems and increase skin-cancer risk.
Trend Supporters
Dermatology Warnings
Whether sunlight helps acne
Trend Supporters
TikTok users, including Haley Wenthold, claim that exposing skin to sunlight or sunburn can improve or “heal” acne.
Dermatology Warnings
Dermatologists warn that the approach could make skin problems worse and carries significant risks from repeated sunburns.
Alternative to acne treatment
Trend Supporters
Participants are choosing direct sun exposure instead of traditional creams or medications.
Dermatology Warnings
The article highlights the danger of replacing established acne approaches with a practice that can increase skin-cancer risk.
- Trend name
- “Sunburning”
- Platform
- TikTok
- Claimed purpose
- To achieve clearer skin or “heal” acne
- Featured creator
- Haley Wenthold, age 19
- Video reach
- Her viral video received millions of views
- Main health risk
- Repeated sunburns significantly increase the risk of skin cancer
- Most serious cancer named
- Melanoma