Doctors Warn Trendy 'Sunburn Art' Isn't Safe

DETROIT (WWJ) - A type of body art popular in the summertime is popping up in photos all over social media — but experts warn it's not safe.

From flowers and hearts to the Batman logo, people are wearing designs that look like temporary tattoos — but in actuality the artwork is created by exposing certain parts of the skin to the sun without protection to create "sunburn art."

Oakwood Hospital Dermatologist Jessica Kato says it's a dangerous practice.

"Each time somebody gets a sunburn there's DNA damage done," Kato told WWJ Health Reporter Dr. Deanna Lites. "And with repeated sunburns, even as few as five, you can double your risk of melanoma and even other types of non-melanoma skin cancers like squamous and basal cell."

Kato said, if you're looking to create the look of sunburn art, there are safer ways.

"You can get the same look that you're trying to accomplish a spray-on tan, use a stencil with a self tanner, and it will look just as good," she said. "So it'll be mission accomplished without any of the danger."

According to the American Cancer Society skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.

The Michigan Health and Human Services Department (formerly the Michigan Department of Community Health) offers information and tips about sun protection and skin cancer prevention, HERE.)