Holidaymakers are being put as risk as a bizarre new hack is doing the rounds on TikTok. The trick claims to give you the "best tan ever" by dousing yourself in beer.

Content creators have been sharing the advice and racking up thousands of views. While those taking part in the trend are applying SPF as well as the beer experts worry that they’re not getting adequate sun protection.

Some videos claim that sloshing the alcohol over your skin is a "cheap way to tan faster" while others say it gives you the "best tan ever". Apparently, the sugar and acid in the beer may help it to go darker faster.

READ MORE: Influencer stuck with pal's name tanned on her forehead after holiday prank

Certain lagers also contain antioxidants that might make your skin "soft and young". However, tanning of any kind increases the risk of cancer and can exacerbate signs of ageing like wrinkles and discolouration.

TikTok user @imracim, showed himself using the trick on holiday. He recommended buying the cheapest beer on offer, then going for a "dive" in the sea.

He then took "a beer shower" – and poured the booze on his legs. Finally, he said to enjoy the sun and showed himself sunbathing on a beach lounger while covered in the beer.

In the comments some said it was a "waste of beer" while another noted it will "create problems with your skin".

Another account, @georgedutraferea, showed two women sunbathing. A blonde took a bottle of lager and poured it on her friends stomach and legs. The account said: "Use beer on outside for better tan".

But, critics have said that while it works like a tanning oil – to magnify the sun’s rays on your skin – it may also attract bugs like wasps and bees. Plus, you’ll end up stinking of a brewery while you sunbathe.

As well as leaving the skin a sticky fly magnet, skin experts have claimed it could lead to heatstroke, or even skin cancer. It’s always important to protect your skin and stay hydrated in the sunshine.

Kathryn Clifford, co-founder of skin cancer awareness charity Skcin, toldThe Sun: "I can barely believe this insanity exists. This is an extremely dangerous so-called ‘trend’ with potentially very serious consequences.

"Tan-seekers of all kinds are at serious risk of developing all types of skin cancer and burning of the skin is strongly linked to the development of melanoma – the most serious life-threatening form of the disease."

Meanwhile, Dr Maham Khan, a consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic told DailyMail: "Applying beer to the skin in the belief that it enhances tanning is a questionable practice that lacks scientific evidence.

"More importantly, this method does not provide any protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. UV radiation is a known carcinogen and a major contributor to skin damage, which can manifest as sunburn, premature ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma."

You can find out about the health risks and sun safety on the NHS website.

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