People are using actual Coca-Cola to boost their tan

This is not ok

coca cola tan
(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

This is not ok

From crazy blackhead removal techniques to stick-on Korean face masks, the internet is positively rife with weird beauty trends, some genius, some, well, not-so-genius.

One such trend is putting Coca-Cola on your body to enhance your tan. We kid you not.

Apparently, the thought behind it is that the soda and oil accelerates your tan, though needless to say there is no scientific proof behind it.

Now, at the risk of sounding like your mum, this is a terrible idea. Aside from the fact that this is gross and sticky (and will probably attract bees), there’s just no substitute for good old SPF when you’re sunbathing.

Don't believe us? Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, told Allure Mag , 'Applying it to the skin may lead to a temporary darkening or staining of the skin, but because sodas are acidic, it may exfoliate dead cells, enhancing the ability of UV light penetrating into the skin. Ultimately, this may increase your risk of a sun burn.'

Bottom line is staying in the sun too long, especially sans protection, is putting yourself at risk of skin cancer, and we can all agree no tan is worth that.

So do yourself a favour, and have coke the way it was meant to be had. In a glass, with plenty of ice.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.