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

An Australian influencer has shared concerning claims that she has been spending hours in the sun without any protection.

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

In one video, the interior designer explained how she’s been out in the sun for hours with no SPF and hasn’t burned or got a sun tan.

‘So I’ve been sitting in the sun for a solid week – at least five hours a day, no sunblock on, literally only wearing olive oil,’ Jessica said.

‘Can confirm I’m still white and haven’t burned.’

Jessica Roberts took to her Instagram Story on Monday to lament her lack of a tan after sunbathing while on holiday in Greece. In one video, the interior designer explained how she’s been out in the sun for hours with no SPF and hasn’t burned or got a sun tan

‘So, if you’re planning on coming to Greece to get a nice tan, you won’t,’ she added. ‘The sun isn’t stong enough.’

In another clip, the Melbourne-based mother-of-three proceeded to plug a tanning product she’d been using in an attempt to get a bronze glow.

The product, which was 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 to her skin ‘every single day’, Jessica said she’d seen no tanning results.

In another clip, the Melbourne-based mother-of-three proceeded to plug a tanning product she’d been using in an attempt to get a bronze glow

‘There’s no SPF in this at all,’ she said in the video.

‘It’s like putting olive oil directly on your skin. And, yep, I’m not even burning in this heat… I’ve been a solid four to five hours a day baking in no suncreen but this and I’ve not not a single bit of colour on me.

‘I’ll keep trying guys. I’ll come back with a Euro glow.’

Daily Mail Australia have approached Roberts for comment.

What are the signs of a skin cancer?

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

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

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

Squamous cell carcinoma: A thickened, red scaly spot that may bleed easily, crust or ulcerate. Grows over some months, usually on areas often exposed to the sun. More likely to occur in people over 50 years of age.

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

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, stage-one melanomas are localised but invasive, meaning it has penetrated beneath 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, Cancer Council Australia CEO explained against the dangers of the tanning trend.

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

‘Concerningly, nationally representative data in 2019 showed that two in five adults (40%) reported they like to get a suntan, and 62% of respondents reported having tanned skin.

‘Sun damage accumulates over time, so even if you’re seeking a suntan but not burning, you’re still increasing your risk of skin cancer.

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

‘Whenever the UV is three or above, it’s important to Slip on sun protective clothing, Slop on SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, Slap on a broad 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 (typically due to harmful UV rays) and then not repaired so it triggers mutations that can form malignant tumours.

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 for getting melanoma
Skin type: Fairer skin has a higher risk for getting melanoma
Hair colour: Red heads are more at risk than others
Personal history: If you’ve had melanoma once, then you are more likely to get it again
Family history: If previous relatives have been diagnosed, then that increases your risk

Treatment

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

The patient can decide to use a skin graft if the surgery has left behind discoloration or an indent.

Immunotherapy, radiation treatment or chemotherapy:

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

Prevention

Use sunscreen and do not burn
Avoid tanning outside and in beds
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside
Keep newborns out of the sun
Examine your skin every month
See your physician every year for a skin exam

Source: Skin Cancer Foundation and American Cancer Society

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