Tanning guide

Sunbed safety

Sunbeds give out UV radiation, and no sunbed is risk-free. This guide sets out what the UK's health authorities say, the law, and the practical steps that reduce the risks if you're an adult who chooses to use one.

Questions in this guide

Do sunbed lotions contain SPF?Most don't. Sunbed lotions are designed for use under sunbed lamps, and most contain no sun protection factor, so they won't protect...
UK sunbed laws explainedAcross the UK, it's illegal for a business to let anyone under 18 use a sunbed. England and Wales are covered by...
Can you use a sunbed with tattoos?You can, but UV light can fade tattoo ink over time, so cover tattoos or use a lotion designed for tattooed skin....
What to do if you burn on a sunbedCool the skin with a cool shower, bath or damp towel, apply aftersun or an unperfumed moisturiser, drink plenty of water and...
How to avoid burning on a sunbedFollow the salon's recommended time for that specific sunbed and start at the shortest end, wait until any pinkness has completely gone...
Do you need goggles on a sunbed?Yes, every session. Closing your eyes isn't enough to protect them from a sunbed's UV. Without goggles you risk painful eye irritation...
Are sunbeds safe?No sunbed is risk-free. Sunbeds give out UV radiation, and the World Health Organization's cancer agency classifies UV tanning devices as carcinogenic...
Can you use a sunbed while taking medication?Not always. Some medicines make your skin much more sensitive to UV, so a session that would normally be fine can burn...
Who shouldn't use a sunbed?UK health guidance says you shouldn't use a sunbed if you have very fair skin, burn easily or have had skin cancer,...
Can you use a sunbed if you're under 18?No. Across the UK it's illegal for a salon, gym, hotel or any other business to let anyone under 18 use a...

The honest picture

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 the UK Health Security Agency discourages cosmetic sunbed use. Read the full picture in are sunbeds safe?

The law

It's illegal for any business in the UK to let under-18s use a sunbed, and salons must manage UV risks under health and safety law. See UK sunbed laws explained and can you use a sunbed under 18?