Former Love Island star Frankie Davey, who appeared in Casa Amor two years ago, divided opinion after sharing some controversial advice with fans on TikTok recently
Former Love Island star Frankie Davey has divided opinion after sharing controversial advice that has been branded “dangerous” by some amid a holiday abroad. He shared his recommendations for how to avoid getting burnt whilst out in the sun.
Frankie, 24, who appeared in Casa Amor on the ITV2 show back in 2023, has been posting updates on TikTok from a trip to Rhodes recently. It included him sharing his thoughts on suncream, which he said he hasn’t used in years. The professional boxer spoke about tanning in a video uploaded to the platform just days ago, with the post captioned: “The sun is the key to life, don’t be afraid of it.” Over the video itself, Frankie wrote: “How to Tan & NOT Burn.”
He said in the video: “So I’m in 40 degree heat and I don’t wear suncream – how don’t I burn? Firstly, I haven’t worn suncream now for a good three or four years. I’m quite against it. I think it’s full of chemicals and toxins that your body…well, isn’t good for your body, basically.”
Frankie added: “But how don’t I burn? Firstly, I do wear a natural SPF and that’s coconut oil. Yesterday, I was in the sun for five, six hours, peak sun. UV 11. I still didn’t burn.”
He continued by saying that he went out to Greece with a “base layer of tan” from the UK before claiming that wearing sunglasses outside means that your body won’t “produce a chemical to protect your skin”. He also urged viewers to listen to their bodies and seek shade or cover up when their skin feels hot.
Frankie said: “Another thing is if you’re eating a lot of inflammatory foods that inflames your body and then when the sun beaming on your skin also cause you to burn.” He then concluded by summarising his advice.
He said: “That’s pretty much it. Build it up. Slow and steady exposure. Morning and night. Then you can start building it up to peak sun times. Use a natural SPF. Get some shade when you feel like you’re burning. Eat fairly clean, when you can. Don’t wear the sunglasses when you’re trying to tan.”
The post has amassed more than 16,000 likes but divided opinion in the comments section. Some people questioned his advice, with one person reacting: “This is dangerous information.” Another said: “Please update me in 20-30 years.”
A third viewer responded: “Social media boxer vs medical professionals – I think I know whose advice I’ll follow.” Another wrote: “Well… that’s enough tik tok for one day.” One person said: “Coconut oil will help you tan and burn.”
Others expressed concern over the prospect of developing skin cancer. One person wrote in the comments section of the post: “You don’t have to burn to get skin cancer. Any tanning is skin damage that can cause cell changes.”
“Didn’t wear sunscreen either, now battling skin cancer… melanoma to be precise worrying if I’m still going to be here for my daughters…. Don’t be ignorant, life has a funny way of teaching you lessons from old mistakes,” someone said.
Although Frankie’s opinion proved controversial to some, not everyone felt the same. Agreeing with him, one person said: “I am the same. I stopped wearing sun protection couple of years ago. I don’t burn and get a beautiful tan.”
Someone said: “Havent worn sunscreen for decades.In my 40s now with better skin than most 30 year olds.” Another viewer commented: “I’ve never used it.” One person reacted: “Finally someone with some sense about sun cream.”
The NHS states that sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. It recommends using sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 to protect against UVB and at least 4-star UVA protection as part of its sun safety advice. It adds: “Do not rely on sunscreen alone to protect yourself from the sun. Wear suitable clothing and spend time in the shade when the sun’s at its hottest.”
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