We hate to break it to you, but no.
It’s well established that sunbed use is bad for you - especially when you’re young.
Risk of developing skin cancer
Sunbeds emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This damages the DNA of skin cells, leading to genetic mutations and other changes that can cause the growth of cancerous cells.
Melanoma Focus warns that young people are particularly at risk: they've found that exposure to indoor tanning before the age of 35 is associated with a 69% increased risk of developing skin cancer.
Rates of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, have increased by around a third in the UK and it is estimated that, across the country, sunbeds cause about 440 melanomas and around 100 deaths each year.
Limiting the risks
- Teenagers should never, ever use sunbeds
- People with very fair skin (type I or type II), lots of freckles or moles should also stay away altogether, and be vigilant about any changes to freckles or moles
- People who have had skin cancer or a family history of the disease should never use sunbeds
- People using medication that could make their skin more sensitive to UV should not use sunbeds
- Switch to fake tan – with more options than ever, it’s easy to get the glow you want, whether you’re after an instant bronze or gradual tan. There are beginner-friendly formulas, options for different budgets, face-specific products and even versions with added benefits like moisturising
- Always protect your skin when you're outside in the sun
But don't sunbeds give you vitamin D?
Sunbed companies claim that you can produce vitamin D by using sunbeds. However The Skin Cancer Foundation has this to say:
‘A tanning bed will never provide you with the vitamin D that you need, nor is it safer than tanning outdoors. Not understanding the facts can literally mean the difference between life and death.’
Get all the vitamin D you need from safe sunlight exposure in spring and summer and from supplements during the winter, as recommended by the NHS.
How popular are tanning beds?
Melanoma Focus data found that 28% of adults in the UK say they use sunbeds, rising to 43% of 18-25 year olds.
The research shows that sunbed use is alarmingly high across the country, while public awareness of the dangers is low: Only 62% of survey respondents said they knew that sunbed use increases the risk of skin cancer. This dropped to 52% of 18-25 year olds - 23% of whom falsely believed that sunbed use actually decreases the risk of skin cancer.
Professor Catherine Harwood, Consultant Dermatologist and Melanoma Focus Trustee said:
“We know that sunbed use is a significant risk factor for developing melanoma.
“It’s very concerning that so many young people are regularly using sunbeds, unaware of the long-term consequences to their health. It is crucial that people understand the dangers of sunbed use and protect their skin from excessive UV radiation to reduce the risk of developing melanoma.”
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