There are two sides to this story which come from two separate view points: the Comare (Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment) and the Sunbed Assocation.

The Comare (1) propose that no one under 18 should be allowed to use a sunbed, the Sunbed Association (2) who say that 18 is too high and call for the age limit to be 16.  Both agree unmanned sunbed salons should be banned. In summary 1. Comare who is composed of experts in the area of radiation and medicine are calling for unmanned salons to be banned and not allowing under 18 to use any commercial sunbed.   2. The sunbed association agree unmanned salons should be banned but argue that 16 year olds are old enough to use sunbeds responsibly.  They also say that there is no proven link between skin cancer and using sun beds ‘responsibly’. 

Our skincare expert comments that it is difficult if not impossible to find evidence that directly relates sun bed use to skin cancer.  Take a typical tanner, say a 20 year old female who likes to have a tan.  She may use a sunbed occasional all year round, maybe more frequently over the winter party season, and then enjoys a 2 week holiday on a beach somewhere hot every year.  If she was to develop skin cancer how would we know whether it was her summer holiday or her use of a sun bed that caused it? It is impossible to say, is it likely to be both.  What we can say is that UV exposure can lead to skin cancer so does it really matter?  So the debate seems to be, at what age can a person be consider to understand the dangers of sunbeds and make a decision about whether or not to use them? Out skincare experts strongly advises anyone against the use of sunbeds, as it can not only contribute to skin cancer it will also cause irreversible aging of the skin.  There is no healthy tan apart from a fake one.  Enjoy the natural sun responsibly, don’t burn, wear sunscreen and fake it you want to look brown. 

The evidence. Sunbeds have been shown to be a contributing factor to causing skin cancer.  The World health Organisation does not recommend the use of sunbeds for cosmetic reasons.  (NB. Some types of sunbeds are sometimes used for medical purposes). http://www.who.int/uv/publications/sunbedpubl/en/ The Health and Safety Executive estimate that 100 deaths a year in the UK are thought to be ‘linked’ to the use of sunbeds.   

Comare reports that there is an increased risk of skin cancer amongst those who use sunbeds before the age of 35. 

> Link to articles about children burning on beds: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3605064.stm

> Link to sckin  http://www.skcin.org/  

> Link to cancer research (sunsmart) http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/healthyliving/sunsmart/  

So what is the science behind sunbeds? The tubes used in sunbeds essentially simulate solar UV radiation, they are usually composed of 95% UVA and 5% UVB which is just like UV emitted by the sun.  UVA induces tanning (as well as penetrating into the dermis and causing premature skin ageing and is also thought to lead to damage of DNA and skin cancer). Sunbeds also emit a large amount of heat (and infra red radiation). Why do people enjoy using sunbeds? Studies have found that UV exposure release endorphins in the body which induces a feel good factor. Many people say they can get addicted to the high that tanning gives them (the phrase “tanorexic” has been coined by the media) and can suffer withdrawal symptoms. 

Our skincare expert supports this theory and warns about the dangers to this addiction. Like smoking, using sunbeds will damage your skin and as you get older you will start to see the signs of wrinkles, lines, uneven skin and age spots occurring.  Not only that but you could increase your risk of skin cancer. There is no healthy tan apart from a fake one.  Enjoy the natural sun responsibly, don’t burn, wear sunscreen and fake it you want to look brown.

 Article written: 17/06/2009