Natalia Armstrong, a 23-year-old influencer from the UK, suffered severe burns after trying a dangerous sunbed hack suggested by a friend. During her usual 20-minute sunbed session, Natalia lay with her face where her feet would normally go, unaware that the facial tanners are much weaker than the body tubes. Though she initially felt fine, her face soon became red, tight, and blistered, and by the next day, thick layers of her skin began peeling off.
As her condition worsened, Natalia sought medical attention when her fingers swelled so much that doctors had to cut off four rings. She was prescribed antibiotics for her fingers and cream for her burns and was warned she could have lost a finger if she had delayed seeking help. Natalia also developed painful cold sores and struggled to sleep due to the severe discomfort caused by the burns.
Now in recovery, Natalia has taken to her TikTok platform, with over 144,000 followers, to warn others about the dangers of sunbeds. She highlighted the risks of following unverified advice, stressing the long-term dangers of UV exposure, including burns, premature aging, and even skin cancer. She vowed never to use sunbeds again, calling the experience a wake-up call.
Natalia hopes her ordeal serves as a cautionary tale, urging others not to take unnecessary risks for cosmetic purposes. Reflecting on the experience, she said, “It’s not worth the tan,” and expressed relief that her injuries will heal, though she remains focused on her recovery and educating others about proper skin care and safety.
