Quick answer
No sunbed is risk-free. Sunbeds give out UV radiation, and the World Health Organization's cancer agency classifies UV tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans. The NHS says there's no safe or healthy way to get a tan from UV, and UK health officials discourage cosmetic sunbed use. If you're an adult and choose to use one, you can reduce the risks by following the steps below.
What the health authorities say
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (part of the World Health Organization) classified UV-emitting tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans in 2009.
- The European Commission's scientific committee concluded that there's strong evidence UV from sunbeds causes melanoma, and that safe limits for sunbed UV can't be set.
- The NHS says sunbeds can be more dangerous than natural sunlight because they use a concentrated source of UV, and that there's no safe or healthy way to get a tan.
- The UK Health Security Agency discourages sunbeds for cosmetic tanning.
The risks
The Health and Safety Executive lists these effects of UV tanning equipment:
- Short term: burns, dry and itchy skin, and eye irritation or conjunctivitis if goggles aren't worn.
- Long term: skin cancer, cataracts if goggles aren't worn, and premature ageing that leaves skin coarse, leathery and wrinkled.
It also says using UV tanning equipment before the age of 35 significantly increases the risk of several types of skin cancer.
If you choose to use a sunbed
- You must be 18 or over: see UK sunbed laws.
- Don't use one if you have very fair skin, burn easily or have had skin cancer: see who shouldn't use a sunbed.
- Ask the salon for guidance on that sunbed and follow its recommended time.
- Limit how often you tan, and don't pack sessions together to build a quick tan: see how often you can use a sunbed.
- Never let your skin burn: see how to avoid burning on a sunbed.
- Always wear goggles: see do you need goggles on a sunbed?
- Check your skin regularly: see sunbeds, moles and freckles.
What about vitamin D?
Don't use a sunbed for vitamin D. The NHS advises balancing sun protection with getting enough vitamin D from sunlight, and recommends supplements for some groups. Ask your pharmacist or GP if you're unsure.
Does lotion make sunbeds safer?
No. A sunbed lotion can help with hydration and even colour, but it doesn't protect you from UV damage or make a longer session safe. Most contain no SPF: see do sunbed lotions contain SPF?
