“We know in children, whose skin is thinner, particularly fair skinned individuals,
there is an accumulated risk of skin cancer in the future.” - Dr. Hilary speaking
about the dangers of using sunbeds, ‘GMTV’ 5th May 2009.
THE DANGERS
Sunbeds first became popular in the 1980’s, before it was fully known the damage they can do to the skin. Sunbeds emit very powerful UVA rays, and at the time it was thought that UVB rays were more dangerous to the skin. Now we know how dangerous UVA rays are for the skin there is only one message that Save Your Skin recommends: do not use sunbeds!
Q: What are the dangers of using sunbeds?
A: Sunbeds emit UVA rays far more powerful than those of the sun. UVA rays penetrate the skin and are a major cause of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. UVA rays also lead to skin ageing in the future – the skin becomes more wrinkled, loses elasticity and can develop dark pigmentation spots. There is also a risk of burning – the skin may not feel it is burning while you are on the sunbed, you may only become aware of it afterwards. Many people who use sunbeds often develop rashes and other forms of skin irritations
and skin problems.
Q: Are there laws governing the use of sun beds?
A: Not at the moment, but campaigners (including us) are hoping that laws will come into force to prevent young people at least from using sun beds. Many skin specialists would like to see them banned altogether. The government guidance on sun bed tanning equipment states that children below 16 years of age should not use sunbeds. The Sunbed Association (TSA), which operates a voluntary code for sun bed businesses, also recommends that no-one below the age of 16 should use sunbeds. When you go to use a sunbed you are literally risking your health – it is quite common that you will not even be asked to provide the most basic information about yourself. If an emergency occurs, again it is unlikely that there will be any help available to you. A short tanning session can leave even a dark skinned person badly burned.
Q: Are there any benefits of using sun beds?
A: In a word: NO. They do not help clear up acne, contrary to any information you have been given. In fact, they can irritate the skin and for acne sufferers that is something you would wish to avoid. They also do not help SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder. This is a feeling of low mood during winter months because of lack of sunlight. For this you need a specialist light box which may help improve your mood. Ask your GP for advice on SAD.
Q: Why are young people so at risk when it comes to using sun beds?
A: Consumer magazine Which? estimates that 175,000 young people use sun beds regularly, and it is estimated that young people who use them increase their risk of developing malignant melanoma by 75%. Young skin is much more vulnerable than older skin because it is thinner, and so sunbeds can do further damage. Everyone at Save Your Skin is against the use of sunbeds at every age, but we are passionate that young people never use one. It is not worth the risk.
Q: I am only young, why should I worry about getting wrinkles at my age?
A: If you start using sunbeds at a young age your skin will age prematurely. This is a known fact. The damage may not be visible to you straight away but by the time you are in your mid-20’s it will, and that is far too young to be worrying about wrinkles. So if you see some
of your favourite celebrities in their 20’s who have a golden colour but are wrinkle free you can be almost sure that their tan comes from a bottle!
Q: Are sun beds safer than sunbathing?
A: No. Sunbeds and sunbathing both put you at risk from skin cancer and skin ageing.
Q: If I can’t use sun beds to get a tan what else can I do?
A: FAKE IT! It has never been easier to tan without sunbathing or using a sunbed. There are lots of fake tans out there to suit every skin type and budget – see our section on ‘how to achieve the perfect fake tan’ for expert advice.
