Influencer shares dangerous claims that she can bake in the sun with no sunscreen

By Liam On Jun 26, 2023

An Australian influencer shared about claims she spent hours in the sun without any protection.

Jessica Roberts took to her Instagram Story on Monday to lament her lack of tan after sunbathing while vacationing in Greece.

In one video, the interior designer explained how she spent hours in the sun without SPF and didn’t burn or tan.

“So I spent an entire week in the sun — at least five hours a day, with no sunscreen on, literally just with olive oil,” Jessica said.

“Can confirm I’m still white and not burned.”

Jessica Roberts took to her Instagram Story on Monday to lament her lack of tan after sunbathing while vacationing in Greece. In one video, the interior designer explained how she spent hours in the sun without SPF and didn’t burn or tan

“So if you’re planning to come to Greece to get a nice tan, you don’t,” she added. “The sun isn’t strong enough.”

In another clip, the Melbourne mother of three put on a tanning product she had been using in an attempt to get a bronze glow.

The product, Caroten’s Gold Shimmer Intensive Tanning Gel, contains “a strong blend of tanning oils and an advanced intensive tanning system,” according to their website.

But despite applying it to her skin “every day,” Jessica said she hadn’t seen any tanning results.

In another clip, the mother-of-three from Melbourne proceeded to apply a tanning product she had been using in an attempt to achieve a bronzed glow

“There’s no SPF in it at all,” she said in the video.

“It’s like applying olive oil directly to your skin. And, yes, I don’t even burn in this heat… I’ve been baking solid four to five hours a day in no sunscreen but this and I don’t have a single bit of color with me.

“I’ll keep trying guys. I come back with a euro glow.’

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Roberts for comment.

What Are the Signs of Skin Cancer?

There are three main types of skin cancer: melanoma (including nodular melanoma), basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Melanoma: The most deadly form of skin cancer and if left untreated can spread to other parts of the body. Appears as a new spot or an existing spot that changes color, size, or shape.

Basal cell carcinoma: Most common, least dangerous form of skin cancer. Red, pale or pearly in color, appearing as a lump or dry, scaly area. Grows slowly, usually in places that are often exposed to the sun.

Squamous cell carcinoma: A thickened, red, scaly patch that bleeds, crusts, or ulcerates easily. Grows for several months, usually in places frequently exposed to the sun. More common in people over 50 years of age.

Tanning with or without sunscreen or SPF is dangerous and can cause skin cancers such as melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, and basal cell carcinoma.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, stage 1 melanoma is localized but invasive, meaning it has penetrated below the top layer into the next layer of skin.

It is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and it is estimated that one in 17 people will be diagnosed by the time they are 85 years old.

In some cases, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body and may require radiation and chemotherapy.

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Professor Tanya Buchanan, CEO of the Cancer Council Australia, explained against the dangers of the tanning trend.

A tan is a sign of skin damage. When the skin is exposed to UV radiation, more melanin is produced, causing the skin to darken. This is what we know as a ‘sunburn’. There’s no such thing as a safe tan,” she said.

Looking at nationally representative data in 2019, two in five adults (40%) said they like to tan, and 62% of respondents said they have tanned skin.

“Sun damage accumulates over time, so even if you’re looking to get a tan but don’t burn, you’re still increasing your risk of skin cancer.”

‘That’s why we encourage Australians to embrace their natural skin color and protect their skin from the sun.

“When the UV is three or higher, it’s important to put on sun-protective clothing, use SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, flip up a wide-brimmed hat, seek shade, and slide on sunglasses.” .’

Melanoma: the most dangerous form of skin cancer

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It happens after the DNA in skin cells is damaged (usually due to harmful UV rays) and then left unrepaired, causing mutations that can form malignant tumors.

Causes

Sun exposure: UV and UVB rays from the sun and tanning beds are harmful to the skin
Moles: The more moles you have, the greater the risk of developing melanoma
Skin type: Paler skin has a higher risk of getting melanoma
Hair Color: Redheads are more at risk than others
Personal history: Once you’ve had melanoma, you’re more likely to get it again
Family history: If previous relatives have been diagnosed, that increases your risk

Therapy

This can be done by removing the entire part of the tumor or by the surgeon removing the skin layer by layer. When a surgeon removes it layer by layer, it helps them pinpoint exactly where the cancer stops so they don’t have to remove more skin than necessary.

The patient may decide to use a skin graft if the surgery left discoloration or an indentation.

Immunotherapy, radiation or chemotherapy:

This is necessary if the cancer reaches stage III or IV. That means the cancer cells have spread to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body.

Prevention

Use sunscreen and don’t burn
Avoid tanning outdoors and in beds
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside
Keep newborns out of the sun
Examine your skin every month
See your doctor for a skin exam every year

Source: Skin Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society