Patricia Krentcil went viral in 2012 after being charged with child endangerment. Most readers know her better as “Tan Mom” — the New Jersey woman obsessed with tanning beds, visiting five days a week.
Her extreme tanning addiction (often called tanorexia) nearly cost her everything, including her health and family peace. The controversial phenomenon — where someone doesn’t realize or accept how dark their skin has become — turned her into a global meme and cautionary tale about indoor tanning dangers and UV radiation health risks.
More than a decade later, Patricia has faced near-death health scares, personal tragedy, massive media scrutiny, and even a run for U.S. Senate. Today she’s doing much better, still tans in moderation, and has built a new chapter with media projects and family focus.
Here’s the full story — and what Tan Mom looks like today.
The Birth of a Tanning Addiction
Patricia’s obsession started at age 23. The New Jersey mom averaged five visits a week at City Tropics tanning salon in Nutley, often for the maximum 12-minute sessions. She had an unlimited monthly plan for just $100.
“I’ve been tanning my whole life — going to the beach, tanning salons and so forth,” she once said.
What began as a beauty habit quickly became tanning addiction. Experts later diagnosed elements of tanorexia — a condition where people develop a psychological dependence on UV exposure, similar to other behavioral addictions. UV rays trigger endorphin release, creating a “high” that makes stopping difficult. Many with tanorexia symptoms also struggle with body dysmorphic disorder, anxiety, depression, or denial about skin damage.
Dermatologists warned that Patricia’s routine (sometimes 20+ sessions a month) was extreme and dangerous. Indoor tanning equipment delivers 12–15 times more UV radiation than the sun and is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by health authorities.
2012: Charged After Bringing Daughter Tanning
The story exploded in May 2012 when Nutley police charged Patricia with child endangerment. Authorities alleged she took her 6-year-old daughter Anna into a stand-up tanning booth, resulting in burns. New Jersey law prohibited anyone under 14 from using tanning facilities.
Patricia strongly denied it, insisting Anna had been sunburned playing outside in their backyard kiddie pool. “No not at all, not at all, not whatsoever… There’s not room… I would never permit it,” she told reporters. “She’s 6 years old. Yes, she does go tanning with mommy, but not in the booth. The whole thing’s preposterous!”
The case made her an instant internet sensation. She earned the nickname Tan Mom as the story went viral worldwide. Media outlets, paparazzi, and late-night shows (including an SNL sketch) mocked her. Even Kim Kardashian commented on the saga. The intense scrutiny took a heavy toll — Patricia later admitted she started drinking and that her older children were bullied at school.
In February 2013, a grand jury refused to indict her and the charges were dropped. But the damage to her reputation and finances (legal bills reportedly cost nearly two houses) was already done.
The Science of Tanorexia & Indoor Tanning Risks
Tanorexia (tanning dependence) is real. Studies show frequent tanners can meet criteria for substance-related disorders. People often continue tanning despite knowing the risks because of the mood-boosting effects and difficulty recognizing how dark they’ve become.
Key skin cancer risks from tanning beds include:
- 4× higher chance of developing melanoma (the deadliest skin cancer)
- One indoor tanning session before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 75%
- Significantly higher rates of basal and squamous cell carcinoma
- Premature aging: deep wrinkles, leathery skin, age spots, and loss of elasticity
- Eye damage and immune system suppression
Dermatologists called Patricia’s case one of the most extreme they’d seen. “Going to a tanning salon 20 times a month is insane,” one expert noted at the time.
Near-Death Health Scare & Personal Tragedy
In June 2019, Patricia’s tanning addiction and lifestyle caught up with her in terrifying fashion. She was hospitalized in critical condition with pneumonia that led to cardiac arrest, pancreatitis, and a lung infection. She spent time in a medically induced coma on life support. Her family rushed to her side; she eventually pulled through after strong antibiotics and intensive care.
Tragedy struck again around summer 2021 when her husband Richard (her second husband and father of two of her five children) died after battling colon cancer (diagnosed in 2020 following a heart attack and stroke), COVID-19, and pneumonia. Patricia described him as her best friend despite their ups and downs. The loss was devastating, but it became a turning point.
Turning Her Life Around: From Viral Fame to Family & New Purpose
By 2022, Patricia told interviewers she was a “totally different person.” She had moved to Florida (first Tampa, later Boca Raton area) for a fresh start, stopped the extreme partying and heavy tanning, and focused on being the best mom possible.
“I changed my whole attitude on life. I’ve turned my life around. I don’t get disrespected anymore. I don’t party or do any crazy things,” she said. “I’m here for a reason, and I have to make sure I’m here for my kids.”
She still tans occasionally (reports from earlier years mentioned twice a week in a home bed), but far less intensely. She has described the old extreme tan as exhausting to maintain and expressed relief at not developing skin cancer despite the decades of UV exposure.
Political Run, Media Comeback & 2026 Update
In 2023–2024, Patricia made headlines again by filing to run for U.S. Senate in Florida as a Republican challenging incumbent Rick Scott. She ultimately withdrew before the primary but used the platform to speak about issues affecting families and everyday people.
She has leaned into her Tan Mom persona on her own terms — separating the celebrity character from “Patricia Marie, Mom.” Recent projects include:
- Her book The Color Tan
- TV series Tan Talk (produced by longtime friend Adam Barta, streaming on Tubi)
- Makeover series TAN TO 10 (available on Prime Video and YouTube)
- Active Instagram presence (@realtanmom) with positive, family-focused content and promotions for her projects
She continues to embrace opportunities while prioritizing peace and her grown children.
What Does Tan Mom Look Like Today? (2026)
Tan Mom today looks healthier, happier, and more at peace than during her peak viral days. Recent photos show her with a warm but much more balanced and natural glow — far from the deep orange tan that made her famous. She often appears smiling, with styled blonde hair, enjoying life in Florida.
While some signs of long-term sun damage (fine lines, skin texture changes) remain visible — as they do for many who tanned heavily for decades — she carries herself with confidence and radiance. She has spoken openly about the physical and emotional toll of her past but also about her growth, resilience, and gratitude for still being here for her family.
Old vs New contrast (for reference):
The Bigger Lesson: Obsession, Addiction & Getting Help
Being obsessed with anything — tanning, social media, work, or anything else — can quietly take over your life. Tanning addiction and tanorexia are serious because the damage (skin cancer, premature aging, mental health strain) is cumulative and often invisible until it’s advanced.
If you or someone you love shows tanorexia symptoms — constant craving for tanning, anxiety when unable to tan, continuing despite health warnings, or denial about skin changes — it’s worth talking to a professional. Dermatologists, therapists, and addiction specialists can help. Many people successfully reduce or stop tanning with support, sunscreen routines, and addressing underlying body image or mood issues.
Patricia’s story is a powerful reminder that fame can come from the unlikeliest (and most painful) places, but real redemption comes from choosing health, family, and growth.
Tan Mom survived the spotlight, a near-death experience, loss, and public judgment. Today she’s writing her own next chapters — and looking better (and happier) than ever while doing it.
