Recently a new trend of tattooing has picked up pace and is widely spreading. Experts said people in Europe and the United States have come up with new and creative ways to use the sunrays which, as per dermatologists, is not at all safe.

Sunburn art has recently become popular on social media under the hashtag #sunburnart. It specifically features the dedicated artists who use their body as canvas to showcase a form of (extremely painful) artistic expression.

In order to create the designs, these dedicated artists first use stencils, strategically applied sunscreen, fake tattoos, jewellery or clothing to get the design or image on their body. They then expose their body to direct sunlight without any protection.

This art is not appreciated by everyone, as the Skin Cancer Foundation appeared to be less impressed with the new trend. Rather the foundation has stressed on the point that direct sunlight is dangerous and increases cancer risk.

The Skin Cancer Foundation strongly advises the public to avoid sunburns. Although the burns caused are not painful, it’s quite dangerous and comes with consequences.

According to experts, sunburns cause DNA damage to the skin, accelerate skin ageing, and increase one’s lifetime skin cancer risk.

It is also told that sustaining five or more sunburns in youth increases lifetime melanoma risk by 80%. The foundation even pointed out that on an average, a person’s risk gets increased by two times if he or she has had more than five sunburns in their lifetime.

They recommend that people must follow full sun protection regimen, which includes seeking shade, covering up with clothing, including a broadbrimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses, and daily use of sunscreen.