- Fans defended their use of tanning beds, saying they helped treat psoriasis flare-ups
- Dermatologists warn against using tanning beds that emit aging UVA rays
- READ MORE: Kim Kardashian shows off her tanning bed during over-the-top office tour
Kim Kardashian is facing criticism from fans and doctors after promoting tanning beds – despite her known risk of cancer.
The celebrity has jumped on the new “Natural” TikTok trend, which sees people gently poke fun at common ideas about themselves in a video showing her having a tanning bed in her office.
Dermatologists warned her on the app about the many health risks of using tanning beds, especially given her family history of melanoma.
Studies have shown that indoor tanning increases the risk of developing the two most common skin cancers – squamous cell carcinoma – by 58 percent and basal cell carcinoma by 24 percent.
And Kim, 43, was criticized for endorsing a practice that could put her millions of fans at risk.
According to the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology Association), while indoor tanning is popular, it is also known for its risks, including skin cancer.
“I'm Kim Kardashian, of course I have a tanning bed…” she said, but paused, jumped out and jogged to another bed. “And a red light bed in my office!”
Denver-based dermatologist Dr. Scott Walter said, “Kim, no disrespect, but why do you have a tanning bed when your sister has melanoma herself?” [referring here to Khloe].
“If your family has cases of it, your risk of melanoma increases by 74 percent.” And that’s in addition to the risk of indoor tanning and melanoma.
“Let’s not encourage indoor tanning.” “There is no such thing as a safe tan.”
At one point during the tour, Kim looked into the camera wearing special black goggles while lounging in a tanning bed.
“I'm Kim Kardashian, of course I have a tanning bed…” she said, but paused, jumped out and jogged to a $78,000 red light therapy bed. “And a red light bed in my office!”
Dr. Aamna Adel, a London-based dermatologist, simply commented on “tanning bed” with a crying emoji, sparking a number of commenters who complained that she was endorsing an unsafe practice.
The first answer to Dr. Adel’s comment read: “THANK YOU!! I had to scroll down to find this. “Completely banned in Australia years ago due to skin damage/risk of skin cancer.”
Another said: “In 2024 ��Does she have an ashtray next to her?”
And another: “So can I go to the tanning bed again if Kim Kardashian does?”
Her defense attorneys were quick to point out that the mogul may be using a tanning bed to treat her psoriasis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflamed, scaly patches on the skin, mostly on the scalp, elbows and knees.
UVB rays, the type of sun that causes burns, are believed to help relieve psoriasis flare-ups. However, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, tanning beds primarily emit UVA light, which can most easily cause wrinkles and other signs of premature aging.
Tanning to treat psoriasis is not recommended because the risk of cancer far outweighs the benefits.
As one commenter put it, “I can't even believe this needs explaining these days.”
Tanning beds are known to cause cancer, which is why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires warning labels on all indoor tanning devices
The American Academy of Dermatology Association strongly recommends against visiting a tanning bed to achieve that coveted Kardashian glow.
“Indoor tanning can increase the risk of developing the two most common skin cancers – squamous cell carcinoma – by 58 percent and basal cell carcinoma by 24 percent.”
While the number of tanning bed visits is declining, the AADA reported that about 7.8 million Americans have not been advised against it.
Doctors condemn Kim Kardashian for promoting tanning beds in new viral TikTok video – despite skin cancer running in the family