Patricia Krentcil, also known as the “Tan Mom,” rose to fame in 2012 because of her extreme tanning and a widely covered legal battle that captured the public’s attention. An online personality received criticism after being accused of bringing her five-year-old daughter, Anna, into a tanning bed. Authorities were alerted when a nurse at Anna’s school spotted a rash on the child, allegedly caused by tanning salon trips with her mother. Krentcil was a regular at City Tropics, where she spent around $100 monthly to achieve her desired sun-kissed complexion. She would visit the salon five days a week, tanning for a maximum of 12 minutes each time.
After being arrested and charged with child endangerment, the Tan Mom spent just a week in jail before being acquitted of the charges. In 2013, despite her insistence on her daughter’s safety from UV rays, a grand jury decided not to press charges, enabling her to keep custody of Anna. It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with tanning, whether you’re doing it indoors or outdoors. These risks include damage to skin cells, DNA injury, and a higher chance of developing skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist, was shocked by Krentcil’s tanning habits, describing them as extreme and unlike anything he had seen before in his career. He discussed the discovery of a possible addiction to tanning, referred to as «tanorexia,» and emphasized the importance of addressing both the physical and psychological components. Zeichner pointed out the potential presence of underlying body dysmorphic disorders, which may drive individuals to pursue elective cosmetic procedures because they are unhappy with their appearance.
In 2019, Krentcil experienced a severe health scare, fighting pneumonia, pancreatitis, cardiac arrest, and a lung infection. After making a full recovery, she looked back on the incident as a significant and life-changing experience, recalling the moment when doctors declared her dead. According to a former classmate, Krentcil showed signs of tanning addiction since high school. The classmate described her as eccentric and someone who enjoyed experimenting.
Skipping ahead to May 2022, Krentcil seems completely changed and ready to embark on a new journey. She detailed a transformation in her mindset and way of life, choosing to avoid rude actions and reckless behavior. Despite her rise to fame, Krentcil encountered financial difficulties and came close to losing two houses as a result of the child-endangerment case. The media’s relentless impact on her took a toll on her well-being, draining her energy and spirit, with only her husband by her side for support. Unfortunately, in 2021, her husband, Richard, passed away.
Krentcil highlighted her dedication to being an exceptional mother to her children, Anna and Addison, stating that she endured through her most challenging times with unwavering resilience.