A controversial Australian influencer has admitted she is seeking advice about her dangerous tanning addiction after concerns from her parents and her new partner.
Matilda Baxter, 23, from Adelaide, uses a risky combination of tanning peptides not approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and a home solarium.
The TGA warned that the peptides containing melanotan, which are administered by injection, ingestion or nasal spray, could cause ‘serious health problems’.
Meanwhile, in Australia, sunbeds for commercial use were banned in 2015 following the death of Victorian woman Clare Oliver, who was diagnosed with melanoma at the age of 21.
Oliver, who died in 2007 aged 26, said her frequent use of tanning beds contributed to her terminal illness.
However, the devices are still allowed for personal use, and Baxter – known on social media as Tilds Search – told the Daily Mail that she uses the $7,000 solarium in her garage at least four times a week.
Adelaide influencer Matilda Baxter has admitted she is addicted to tanning beds. The Australian Cancer Council says the risk of developing melanoma increases by 1.8 percent with each tanning session
Baxter’s partner Alessandro Della-Verde echoed her parents’ concerns about her tan
Claire Oliver spoke about the dangers of tanning beds before dying from melanoma in 2007
“I’m not in favor of (using tanning beds), and I will say I’m addicted. “I’m going to see a therapist about it,” she said.
Baxter said her parents are “concerned” about her use of tanning beds, which irradiate users with ultraviolet radiation that damages the DNA of skin cells.
According to the Australian Cancer Council, people who use a solarium before age 35 have a 59 percent greater risk of melanoma than those who do not use a solarium.
It says that the risk of developing melanoma increases by 1.8 percent with each tanning session.
She says she has her skin checked regularly by doctors and she is religious when it comes to mole mapping.
With more than 360,000 followers on TikTok, Baxter – who also worked in the harsh South Australian sun as a surf lifesaver in her teens – has insisted she is not encouraging her fans to follow her lead.
‘I use my platform to be honest and say that I use peptides and that I use a tanning bed. I know a lot of younger girls are watching it and most of all I say wear sunscreen and learn more about your skin,” she said.
“I use my platform to tell people to invest in good makeup and good skin care.”
Baxter also recently underwent ‘Barbietaille’ rib surgery in Bali, which carries serious medical risks and is not available in Australia
The products Baxter discusses on social media are not approved by the TGA for use as a tanning agent.
Baxter’s boyfriend of seven months, Alessandro Della-Verde, echoed her parents’ concerns about her tanning addiction.
“As a partner I can’t stop Matilda from doing what she wants to do,” he said.
Della-Verde encourages her to use peptides to change her skin pigment, believing this will reduce the risk of burning. However, there is no evidence that unapproved tanning peptides are safe or effective in reducing sunburn or skin damage.
The TGA clearly warns that ‘promoters of these tanning products often claim that they are safe and natural. They are far from safe. Melanotan is known to cause serious side effects and should only be used under medical supervision.”
Baxter said her “addiction” to tanning dates back to the age of 12 growing up in Yankalilla, south of Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
She said she would order fake tanning formulas behind her parents’ backs.
“My dad said I looked like an oompa loompa, so I’d have it delivered to the post office. I would go get it before my dad (arrived) and take it back to school,” she said.
Baxter said her “addiction” to tanning dates back to the age of 12 growing up in Yankalilla, south of Adelaide on the Fleurieu Peninsula. She is now using dangerous tanning peptides that are not approved by the TGA
It’s not the first time Baxter’s divisive view has made headlines.
She recently returned from Bali, where she underwent ‘Barbie waist’ surgery.
The controversial body contouring procedure, which is not available in Australia, reshapes the lower floating ribs to create the appearance of a smaller waist without removing the bones.
It has become increasingly popular among influencers traveling to Bali, but has also drawn fierce criticism from medical professionals over the health risks associated with it, and from social media users concerned about unrealistic beauty standards.
When Baxter revealed the results of her surgery, posing in lingerie, in a video posted to social media, reactions were mixed.
“Please eat more, your ribs are driving me crazy,” said a third.
‘I’m not here to judge negatively, but more proteins and carbohydrates are needed. Stay safe and take care of your health, folks,” someone else commented.
Another critic lashed out at Baxter, accusing her of promoting unrealistic body standards for young women.
Baxter said, “I’ve probably spent about $50,000 on my face, and general maintenance of my appearance costs between $80,000 and $100,000 a year.”
Sunbeds have been banned for commercial use across Australia since 2015
“This is shameful, to paint an image and encourage other young girls or women to think it is normal to look like this,” they said.
However, many fans came to her defense, saying that people should not judge her for the choices she makes about her own body.
‘Comments are NOT comments. This woman is educated and makes her own informed choices. She’s transparent AF! Don’t like it? Keep going!’ wrote one.
Despite facing the wrath of online commentators over her appearance, Baxter claims it doesn’t bother her.
“At the end of the day, all I care about is my happiness and who I am as a person,” she said.
‘A lot of people say, ‘This is an unrealistic beauty standard,’ but I never said here that I am the beauty standard that people should follow.
“I find it more concerning that people have something negative to say about someone else’s body.”
She has been open about her surgical procedures, including high-definition liposuction, a boob job and hip surgery.
“I’ve probably spent about $50,000 on my face, and general maintenance of my appearance costs between $80,000 and $100,000 a year,” she told the Mail.
Tanning peptides and solariums are not approved in Australia by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for tanning or skin pigmentation. These products pose significant health risks and can cause serious side effects.
