Sunbeds give out ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause skin cancer. Many sunbeds give out greater doses of UV rays than the midday Mediterranean sun.
The risks are greater for young people. Evidence shows that:
- People who have excessive exposure to UV rays before the age of 20 have a greater risk of melanoma later in life.
- Sunburn in childhood can greatly increase your risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
UV rays from sunbeds
Sunbeds, sunlamps and tanning booths give out the same type of harmful radiation as sunlight:
- UVA rays make up about 95% of sunlight. They can cause your skin to age early, making it look coarse, leathery and wrinkled.
- UVB rays make up about 5% and cause your skin to burn.
A tan is your body's attempt to protect itself from the damaging effect of UV rays. Getting a tan using a sunbed is not safer than tanning in the sun. In some cases, it may be more harmful, depending on, for example:
- the strength (dose) of UV rays from the sunbed,
- how many times or how often you use a sunbed,
- how long your sessions are,
- what type of skin you have, such as fair or dark, and
- your age.
Currently, there is no regulation that governs:
- the type or strength of UV rays that sunbeds give out, or
- who can use sunbeds.
Damage from UV rays
Prolonged exposure to UV rays increases your risk of developing malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
You cannot always see the damage that UV rays cause. The symptoms of skin damage can take up to 20 years to appear.
UV rays can also damage your eyes, by causing problems such as irritation, conjunctivitis or cataracts, particularly if you don’t wear goggles.
Advice about using sunbeds
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued advice on the health risks linked to UV tanning equipment, such as sunbeds, sunlamps and tanning booths. They recommend that you should not use UV tanning equipment if:
- you are under 18,
- you have fair, sensitive skin that burns easily, or tans slowly or poorly,
- you have a history of sunburn, particularly in childhood,
- you have lots of freckles and/or red hair,
- you have lots of moles,
- you are taking medicines or using creams that make your skin sensitive to sunlight,
- you have a medical condition that is made worse by sunlight,
- you have had skin cancer, or someone in your family has had skin cancer, or
- sunlight has already badly damaged your skin.
The HSE advice also includes important points to consider before you decide to use a sunbed. For example, if you do use a sunbed, the operator should advise you on your skin type and on how many minutes you should limit your session to.
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