Glow or no? A deep dive into tiktok's acne sunbed “solutions”

Summary: Over the past five years, TikTok has seen a rapid rise in the promotion of tanning beds as an acne treatment. This study evaluated sources, risk acknowledgement, and engagement metrics. To minimize logarithmic bias, a new TikTok account was used to evaluate the content objectively. Videos from 2021-2024 were identified using the search terms “acne tanning beds,” “sunbeds acne,” and “acne treatment tanning beds,” and assessed for their promotion of tanning beds for treatment of acne vulgaris. For each term, all videos discussing tanning beds as an acne treatment under the “top” tab were analyzed. Video creators were categorized, associated tanning bed risks were recorded, and quantitative metrics (view, likes) were collected. Of the 92 analyzed videos, 51 (55%) promoted tanning beds for acne treatment, primarily from non-medical creators (36 individuals, 14 tanning companies). All dermatologists (n=4) opposed tanning beds as a safe acne treatment. Risks were mentioned in 23 videos (25%), with anti-tanning bed videos (16%) more frequently citing them than pro-tanning bed videos (7%). Skin cancer was the most commonly cited risk in both groups (n=10). Pro-tanning bed videos averaged higher views (207,478) compared to anti-tanning bed videos (59,397). Region of video origin influenced viewer engagement (p=0.022). As non-evidence based skincare advice continues to influence consumer decisions, providers have a growing opportunity to engage on social media, dispel misinformation, and promote safe, evidence-based treatments. Rebecca Van Dyke¹, Angela R. Loczi-Storm¹, Victoria M. Hoffman², Alyssa Iurillo³, Aakash Arora⁴, Megan Hoang⁴, Nikitha Bhimireddy⁴, Ariyaporm Haripottawekul⁵, Surya Khatri⁴, Neha Kinariwalla⁶, Pavane L. Gorrepati⁶, Oliver Wisco^{4, 6} 1. Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Pomona, CA, United States. 2. University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, United States. 3. Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States. 4. Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, United States. 5. Brown University, Providence, RI, United States. 6. Dermatology, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, RI, United States. Clinical Research: Epidemiology and Observational Research