Sunbeds
Wednesday 15 April 2009
If you think sunbeds are a safe way to get a quick tan – think again! Recent reports show that they could increase the chance of cancer.
What is a tan?
You might think you look good with a tan, but in fact it is a sign that skin has become damaged and is trying to protect itself from more UV radiation.
UV rays dry out skin, making it age and form wrinkles. It also makes skin course and leathery causing painful blisters.
How do sunbeds work?
Most sunbeds require people to lie inside them whilst wearing goggles to protect their eyes. The sunbed emits ultraviolet (UV) rays from long fluorescent tubes which is what makes people tan.
These UV rays are the same kind that come from the sun – except they are much stronger. A standard sunbed usually emits 95 per cent UVA rays, which causes skin to age, and 5 per cent UVB rays, which causes skin to burn.
Regulations
You have to be over 16 years old to use a sunbed - however, organisations such as Cancer Research UK are hoping to increase this age to 18 years old.
The charity is also working to create stricter rules in the tanning industry and want to ban unsupervised coin-operated sunbeds which are extremely popular with young people.
The risks
As well as damaging and ageing your skin there are many risks that come with using sunbeds. Some effects can show up immediately whilst others can take up to 20 years.
Cancer
Extreme exposure to UV rays damages the DNA in your skin cells which could cause cancer. Sunbeds are known to increase the chance of malignant melanoma by 75 per cent, and is blamed for making it the most common form of skin cancer for women in their 20s.
Watch this video for more information.
Eyes
A mixture of UV rays and unhygienic goggles could cause anything from eye irritation to conjunctivitis. However, more serious long term effects include cataracts, which is the clouding of the eyes, or eye cancer.
Sunbed myths
Most people believe that sunbeds are a safer alternative to sunbathing in natural sunlight – wrong! They can be up to 10-15 times more intense than midday sun, and a 10 minute session could have the same effect on skin as 10 minutes in Mediterranean heat!
Not all sunbeds give you a perfect tan - if you find it difficult tanning in natural sunlight, then it is unlikely that you will tan in a sunbed.
Limiting or shortening sunbed sessions will not lessen the chance of skin damage – it only makes it worse. Shorter periods of intense and irregular UV exposure are the fastest ways to damage skin. The best thing to do is stop using them altogether. Find out more.
The skin you’re in
You shouldn’t use sunbeds at all if you have fair skin, freckles or moles, or if you have a history of cancer in your family.
Medication can also make skin more sensitive to UV rays, so always get advice from your GP first.
If you do decide to use one, make sure you take these precautions:-
- Always wear sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher.
- Goggles should always be worn to protect eyes.
- Never exceed more than 20 sunbed sessions a year.
- Do not sunbathe in natural light on the same day of a session.
Safer alternatives
If applied properly, fake tan lotion or sprays can leave you with a natural glow all year round. However, they offer no added protection from natural light so always rub some sun screen on first. For more tips read this n2k article.
