From Julie's Cafe, This Decades Old Tanning Hack Just Resurfaced on TikTok, and Dermatologists Are Not Thrilled
A decades-old tanning practice mixing baby oil with iodine is trending again on TikTok, raising concerns about unprotected UV exposure and skin health.The baby oil and iodine tanning method is appearing under new hashtags as users film prolonged sunbathing. Dermatologists say the TikTok tanning trend leaves oil that can intensify UV absorption while iodine deepens color without protection.The practice traces to mid-20th-century sunbathing culture and is resurfacing among younger audiences. Yale pediatric dermatologist Richard Antaya told The Union Democrat that experts have long advised against it. Years of UV exposure increase skin cancer risk and accelerate aging. Dermatologists cite DHA-based self tanners as a non-UV alternative.
I vaguely remember hearing about the baby oil and iodine trick. Yes, elemental iodine imparts a nice brown color to skin, which dissipates fairly quickly. Having used iodine in chemistry a few times I noticed the staining. However, iodine is no fun, and it smells bad (although it doesn't leave much smell on the skin. However, iodine is better used in nitrogen triiodide. I independently discovered that a strong solution of potassium permanganate also gives skin a nice glow, without the smell, and lasts a bit longer. Ask me how I found out. It's also handy to have around in crystal form if you need to start a fire. Of course, neither of these chemical alternatives offer any real protection from sunburn the way a real suntan does.
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