Patricia Krentcil rose to viral fame in 2012 after finding herself in a rather serious situation involving her tanning habits. Known widely as “Tan Mom,” Patricia had developed a significant inclination towards frequenting tanning salons, visiting them as regularly as five times a week.
Her dedication to tanning was part of a controversial trend known as tanerexia, where individuals become so accustomed to tanning that they are unable to perceive their true skin coloration. This obsession nearly cost Patricia her health, though she has since found a better balance. Still, her story is as fascinating today as it was a decade ago.
Let’s explore her journey and transformation over the years.
It’s fair to say that becoming fixated on any activity—whether it be food, shopping, or spending too much time watching television—often doesn’t end well. The important thing is how it impacts you in the long run. If ever you find an obsession taking precedence over other important aspects of your life, it might just be the right time to seek a friend’s perspective or professional guidance.
Meet Patricia Krentcil – The ‘Tan Mom’
Patricia Krentcil’s story turned many heads when she first entered the world of social media fame. Tanning became a substantial part of her life, starting from her younger days. Her story, however, reached the public spotlight in 2012 for reasons beyond the tanning itself.
That year, Patricia was thrust into the limelight and faced legal scrutiny, accused of endangering her child by allegedly exposing her to a tanning booth’s harsh rays. Though never convicted, the incident highlighted the impact of her lifestyle choices and brought significant attention to her public persona.
Her entanglement with tanning began at 23, developing into a routine of regular visits to a salon in New Jersey, often five times a week. Her monthly plan of $100 made it all accessible.
“I’ve been tanning my whole life,” she shared, indicating the deep-rooted habit of visiting beaches and salons.
At the core of viral controversy was an incident in May 2012, when Patricia faced charges over an alleged attempt to tan her young daughter. Media outlets reported that this resulted in her daughter suffering burns. The case, which sent shockwaves through communities, unfolded when a school nurse noted the burns and the daughter mentioned accompanying her mother to tanning sessions.
A Misunderstanding or Endangerment?
Patricia, however, maintained that the entire matter was a result of misunderstandings. She firmly stated that she would never have exposed her child to such risks.
“No, not at all, not whatsoever,” Patricia asserted, clarifying she had never taken her daughter into a booth.
The Nutley Police Department disagreed, charging her with child endangerment. Despite the allegations, Patricia remained resolute, explaining her daughter’s redness resulted from playtime in their backyard, not a tanning session.
The media quickly dubbed her “Tan Mom.” What followed was an insane journey into the realms of public scrutiny.
Understanding Tanorexia
The incident uncovered a deeper discourse on the issue of tanorexia, an obsession with the idea of tanning and a disconnect from reality concerning one’s skin color.
“When you look at this, consider tanorexia—a profound misunderstanding of one’s coloration,” highlighted dermatologist Doris Day.
Experts conveyed serious concerns about Patricia’s case, paralleling the activity to “smoking for the skin”—a reference to the accumulated harm it inflicts.
Renowned dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner remarked on Patricia’s extreme tanning habits, calling them unprecedented in his practice. He also referenced “tanorexia,” hinting she might require help beyond physical health concerns.
The Serious Repercussions
There were serious implications, as Patricia faced a possible sentence of up to 10 years. Nevertheless, she maintained her daughter’s incident was unrelated to tanning booths. “There was no wrongdoing. It was merely sun-induced,” she claimed.
Despite the media whirlwind, Patricia insisted her tanning was a solitary affair, akin to other hobbies like nail care or enjoying a bit too much chocolate.
A Turnaround and New Beginnings
In 2013, Patricia was cleared of her charges when a grand jury decided not to indict her. Yet, criticism from people across the nation lingered, and Patricia faced judgments about her parenting long after the legal closure.
Among the turmoil, she emphasized her identity, stating the criticisms mostly stemmed from jealousy. She vigorously defended her lifestyle choices.
The stress led Patricia and her family to move to Tampa, Florida, for a new beginning. The decision was influenced by the toll media attention had taken not only on her but also on her children.
‘Tan Mom’ Embraces Her Fame
A year after being cleared, Patricia decided to share her story with a broader audience through a film. She felt it crucial to communicate the tale herself while also seeing an opportunity to balance her financial strains.
Besides narrating her experiences, she launched initiatives aimed at developing a healthy tanning lotion and potentially writing a book. The story of “Tan Mom” was far from over in her eyes.
In a more recent challenge, Patricia faced a critical health scare in 2019 with pneumonia, leaving her in intensive medical care. It was a tense period, but she emerged with a renewed sense of purpose.
Today’s Patricia Krentcil
Today, photos capture Patricia in good spirits, acknowledging her history while living life with her choices firmly in hand. She now tans more moderately with her personal tanning bed and continues embracing her “Tan Mom” persona.
Reflecting on her past, Patricia shares a self-aware perspective, recognizing her distinguished lifestyle’s uniqueness.
Feel free to ponder upon her story. Should tanning salons be scrutinized more?
