Tanning the genital region: what is this new dangerous trend?

As its name suggests, it entails directly exposing one’s intimate areas to sunlight for tanning. This practice was introduced on social media in 2019 by an American influencer named Meagan WHITSON. She asserts that tanning the intimate areas for 30 seconds to five minutes daily would yield health benefits and aid in the synthesis of vitamin D.

The "perineum sunning" or "butthole sunning" has since spread across the Internet through astonishing photographs showing individuals lying on their backs with both legs raised in the air to expose their genital area to sunlight. Advocates have attributed various benefits to this practice, including improved sleep, increased energy, and even enhanced creativity and libido.

However, this trend is strongly discouraged by all healthcare professionals, who associate numerous risks with it.

No study has demonstrated any benefits of tanning intimate areas, and no scientific data suggests that such benefits exist.

On the contrary, exposing the body’s delicate areas to UV rays is not without risk. Depending on their wavelength, these rays penetrate the epidermis or dermis to generate free radicals in excess. These radicals then attack and weaken cell membranes and proteins. They also react with DNA and can trigger genetic mutations that may lead to melanomas and cancers. Moreover, this exposure can cause a particularly painful and potentially complicated sunburn of the genital organs.

In fact, the skin in the intimate areas is not at all prepared for sun exposure, because it is not typically exposed and thus synthesizes very little melanin. Recall that while this brown pigment provides an aesthetic tan, its primary role is to protect the skin and the body. Exposing the genital area to UV rays can therefore cause long-term damage, as it is naturally less protected. Moreover, the pain from sunburn and the skin dryness that follows would be very intense in these areas.

We need to start by asking the right questions before embarking on this practice. These parts of the body are particularly delicate and sensitive. Is it, then, reasonable to expose them to UV radiation? Moreover, as we have just seen, no scientific study has been able to demonstrate the alleged benefits of this practice. On the contrary, all dermatologists agree that they pose numerous risks and should not be undertaken lightly.

Furthermore, the American influencer behind the genital tanning trend claims that applying sunscreen to this area is unnecessary. However, all scientists agree on this point: the application of a sunscreen treatment is essential before any exposure. This product works on the surface of the epidermis, forming a protective filter against UVA and UVB rays. Regarding the intimate areas, sunscreen should only be applied to the external regions and must not be used inside the vagina or come into contact with its internal walls, as it may cause an infection.

Regarding the connection between perineum sunning and vitamin D, the synthesis of this vitamin occurs regardless of the exposed area. It is therefore preferable that the chosen body part is better prepared to absorb UV rays and, above all, already protected with sunscreen. Note also that vitamin D is present in certain foods, notably fatty fish or fish products such as cod liver oil, herring, sardines, and mackerel. Finally, in cases of deficiency, your primary care physician can prescribe vitamin D in capsule or powder form.

In conclusion, here is our perspective on tanning of the genital area: it is best to avoid this dangerous trend.

• BHUSHAN R. & al. Adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation from the use of indoor tanning equipment: Time to ban the tan. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2011).

• WOLF P. & al. Sunbeds and carcinogenesis: The need for new regulations and restrictions in Europe from the Euromelanoma perspective. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2019).