Think sunbeds are a safer way to tan; Will prepare your skin for the sun; Will boost your vitamin D supply; And make you look better? Think again. Sunbed use significantly increases the risk of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer and should serve as a wake up call to sunbed users - no tan is worth dying for!
Sunbeds are not a safe alternative to sun-tanning. Sunbeds emit harmful ultraviolet radiation, causing cumulative DNA damage to the skin cells that increases the risk of developing all types of skin cancer, including the most serious, life-threatening form – melanoma.
There is so much evidence to support this, that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified sunbeds as a group 1 carcinogen. This is its highest cancer risk category.
Despite these warnings, sunbed use remains widespread, particularly among young adults. In part, this is due to common misconceptions about the benefits and tanning trends shared on social media, promoting sunbed use without highlighting the dangers or risks. To set the record straight, we’ve busted the top six sunbed myths.
Sunbed use is bad news at any age and can dramatically increase the risk of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. They are classified as a group 1 carcinogen for a reason. The risk of skin cancer is also elevated when use begins at a younger age. A review by IARC found that first exposure to sunbeds before the age of 35 years increases the risk of melanoma by an alarming 75%. The World Health Organisation states that even one sunbed session can increase your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 67% and basal cell carcinoma by 29%.
Sunbeds use fluorescent bulbs that emit mostly UVA radiation, but at much greater intensities than natural sunlight to enable the skin to tan quickly. UVA penetrates the skin at much deeper levels than UVB reaching the middle layer of the skin called the dermis. Damage from UVA is cumulative, irreparable, causes DNA damage to the skin cells and can lead to skin cancer – including melanoma, which is now one of the biggest killing cancers in the 15-34 age group. For further information go to: Understanding UV radiation
This is a common misconception, as users believe they are less likely to burn if their skin is tanned before sun exposure. The simple fact is, all it does is add to the damage already done and if you intend to sunbathe, further damage you will do. UV radiation is the direct cause of 90% of all skin cancer cases. Once the tan fades the damage remains, it builds up with each exposure and can result in serious consequences over time. For more information on the dangers of tanning go to: Sunburn and tanning
Whilst vitamin D is important to help maintain a healthy immune system, using a sunbed isn’t a safe, healthy or efficient way to achieve a boost. In fact, UV radiation from sunbeds can actually suppress your immune system and lead to health problems. Vitamin D is produced naturally by small amounts of exposure to the suns’ UVB radiation in the summer months. But most sunbeds use bulbs that only emit ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which don’t affect vitamin D levels. The NHS recommend everyone in the UK should take vitamin D supplements to safely boost supply. For more information on vitamin D, go to: Vitamin D – the facts
The short-term ‘look-good, feel-better’ benefits of tanned skin are FAR outweighed by the long-term damaging and visual effects. UVA rays are commonly referred to as ‘ageing rays’ because they damage the collagen and elastin in the skin and are responsible for around 80% of the visible signs of ageing. As mentioned, sunbeds emit UVA at much greater intensities than natural sunlight and the fact is, sunbed use will make you look MUCH older at a MUCH younger age.
One of the biggest factors in tanning behaviors in young adults is the belief that skin cancer is a distant threat—something that happens to older adults, not young people. While many acknowledge that excessive UV exposure can cause skin damage, they assume they have plenty of time before they need to worry about it. This false sense of security leads them to ignore warnings. Unfortunately, many young people only realise the dangers when it’s too late, often after being diagnosed with skin cancer.
The dangers of tanning are not just hypothetical; they are very real. Many individuals who tanned excessively in their youth now share their experiences of battling skin cancer as a cautionary tale, but sadly many too have died. Real life stories should serve as a wake-up call to those who believe cancer is a distant threat.
Louise Kur, Director of Laceys Spa (Hair, health and Beauty Clinic) kindly shares her story to warn others of the dangers of sunbed use and tanning:
In 2021 I was diagnosed with melanoma, although it was undoubtedly the most difficult time it did not come as a shock as I had seriously abused sunbed use and sunbathing without suitable protection for most of my adult life. I can even remember using a fake date of birth to enable me to use sunbeds from as early as 15!
Being tanned was everything, I felt like everything looked and felt better with a tan. I would consider myself a skin type 1 but due to years of over exposure I have changed my skin significantly enough to consider myself a 2, I saw this as an achievement until my diagnosis.
Prior to the melanoma diagnosis I had 2 BCCs removed one had been left undetected for years and left me with a considerable scar on my neck. Still this was not enough to prevent me from gaining more sun damage.
I was totally addicted to the need for a tan… READ MORE
Sunbeds are banned in Iran, Brazil and Australia for people of all ages due to the extreme health risks. In England, whilst it is illegal to use sunbeds under the age of 18 to help protect minors, despite the efforts of many charities and organisations, including Skcin – government is yet to follow suite with an outright ban.
According to Active Salon in 2022 there were 3,000 – 5,000 tanning salons in the UK, serving millions of customers every year. Approximately 1 million UK men and women visit tanning salons every day, with 10% of adults classified as regular sunbed users.
Recent trends are also suggesting that sunbed use is increasing year on year. The pursuit of tanned skin, fueled in large part by social media and cultural beauty standards. From viral TikTok videos showcasing tanning hacks and sunbed use, to influencers glorifying bronzed complexions, young people are increasingly exposing themselves to harmful UV radiation.
With regulations enforcing standardised tobacco packaging featuring graphic images and health warnings in force since 2016 – at the very least, the same treatment should be given to sunbeds, given they too are a group 1 carcinogen.
It’s time for government to put the nation’s health first and ban sunbeds!
