When it comes to tanning, we’re a nation obsessed.
Sales of self-tan – including lotions, milks and mousses – are currently through the roof. In fact, researchers at the NPD Group reported that the faux tan market was worth an enormous £5.9 million in 2017, all thanks to brilliant advances in tanning technology.
Gone are the days where self-tan left you with telltale streaky limbs and patchy hands. Now, colour takes in a matter of minutes, stays put for days on end and won’t leave you smelling like digestive biscuits. So why, when there are heaps of brilliant products, all promising a bronze glow akin to spending two weeks in the Maldives, are British women still using sunbeds?
Despite the known risks, Mintel reported that 10% of UK consumers aged 25-44 used a sunbed or tanning salon in the 12 months to September 2017 – and that's a huge cause for concern. According to London-based dermatologist, Dr. Justine Kluk, the contribution of sunbeds to malignant melanoma, the most aggressive type of skin cancer, has been estimated at 100 deaths per year in the UK, and Cancer Research reports that higher sunbed use among young females than young males may explain their higher incidence of melanoma. "Cancer Research UK confirm that using a sunbed increases the risk of melanoma by as much as 16-20%," Dr. Kluk says, "while the International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation as a class 1 carcinogen."
"Most dermatologists will see patients in their clinics who have developed skin cancer or premature skin ageing as a direct effect of having used sunbeds," continues Dr. Kluk, who also says that she'd like sunbeds to be banned in the UK. "With moles, concern arises when any new or existing mole increases in size or changes in shape or colour, particularly if darker colours start to appear. Persistent itching or bleeding from a mole are also indicators that an urgent visit to the GP or dermatologist is needed."
Interestingly, it isn't just a goddess-like glow women are after. If you have acne or psoriasis, or suffer from a vitamin D deficiency, you may have come across information (most likely unregulated) that lists sunbed use as an appropriate solution – but the experts argue differently. "There are no health benefits to using sunbeds at home or in a tanning salon," explains Dr. Kluk. "Vitamin D can be obtained through diet or supplementation so this argument doesn’t stand up." And the same goes for acne.
"We are most likely to enjoy sunny conditions when we’re on holiday, away from work and generally feeling less stressed about life," says Dr. Kluk. "These factors may be more relevant than the sunshine itself in improving breakouts. While I have heard people say that their spots genuinely improve in the sun, the problem with this is that there are much safer and more effective ways to treat breakouts than exposing our skin to UV rays, and it is never advisable to use sunbeds as a way of controlling spots because the risk of skin cancer outweighs any benefit."
As for psoriasis? Dr. Kluk suggests that we might be confusing sunbed usage with the expert-approved treatment of phototherapy – and it's doing our skin much more harm than good.
"Phototherapy utilises particular wavelengths of UV radiation that have been shown in medical studies to reduce inflammation in the skin. It is a strictly regulated hospital treatment prescribed by dermatologists on a case-by-case basis for people with moderate to severe psoriasis or eczema that haven’t been satisfactorily controlled with first line therapies, such as creams," explains Dr. Kluk. The important difference? "The dose of UV is carefully measured and calibrated during phototherapy and the number of overall treatments in a lifetime are restricted to prevent any unacceptable rise in the risk of skin cancer."
Put simply, the argument that sunbeds cure psoriasis is defunct. "It is never a good idea to experiment with sunbeds for psoriasis on your own, as settings and conditions will vary from the safe parameters used in hospitals," adds Dr. Kluk. "If you have any questions about this, or any other skin conditions, please do discuss it with your GP or a consultant dermatologist."
Click through to read six British women’s experiences with sunbeds…
I book in a sunbed once every few months for 15 minutes and I’ve been using them for around 10 years.
It’s totally a looks thing. It may sound silly to some, but the main reason I use sunbeds is to enhance the natural smattering of freckles I have on my nose and cheeks. I really love mine and I’ve seen so many celebrities going makeup-free to show them off on Instagram. They really come up when I’m bronzed and I feel like they make me look younger.
My Cypriot granddad was an avid sun worshipper and developed lip cancer at the age of 68. Luckily it was diagnosed early and he had the cancerous cells removed. I know that this should put me off, but I have to admit, I just try not to think about the dangers – I push them to the back of my mind. I also travel frequently for work and can’t bear the thought of showing off my pasty limbs in shorts or dresses, so having an even tan that I know won’t go patchy when it fades, makes me feel so much better.
I know cellulite is natural but mine looks much less noticeable after a go on a sunbed. I also like how the effects are virtually instant – I have olive skin, so 15 minutes is all I need to see a subtle difference. People always talk about the dangers of cancer and wrinkles – my best friend even tried to book me in for an appointment with her dermatologist, but I don't want to be told off! I’m always asked why I don’t just use faux tan, but I’m super busy and don’t have time to slather myself in smelly mousse and then wait hours for the colour to develop. Sunbeds are fast and convenient and there’s virtually a shop on every corner. Sometimes, I even go during my lunch break.
Ayse, 31
I started using sunbeds when I was about 20 years old and continued to do so until just under a year ago, around my 32nd birthday.
I used them because I thought I looked much more attractive with a tan. My face is prone to eczema, which meant red, flaky skin – and that made me feel incredibly insecure. If my skin was much darker than usual, then it didn’t look so blotchy and red. I guess it just made me feel so much more confident. It also seemed to help clear it up.
Once I started using sunbeds, I quickly began to use them more frequently. I would use a sunbed several times a week, sometimes even daily, and have been known to use a sunbed twice in one day. So as not to get caught out, I used to alternate between different tanning shops, where I was using over the recommended amount (2-3 sessions a week according to the Sunbed Association).
I eventually stopped using sunbeds because I noticed how much my skin had aged. I now have sun spots, which are only usually seen in much older ladies. It’s incredibly upsetting, especially as my skin is now always dry. Even though I make an effort to moisturise daily, I feel like sunbeds have made me look older. As a result, I’ve become obsessed with anti-ageing products, and I’ve started spending a significant amount more on my moisturisers, serums and cleansers.
To be honest, when I was using them, I didn’t worry about the risks. I never burned so I thought I was fine. Now I am much more aware of the risks. I don’t know anyone who has had any health implications as a result of using sunbeds, but I do worry about the extent of the damage I’ve caused. It might be years before I find out if I have done serious damage.
Isobel, 32
I first started using sunbeds when I was 20. Back then, I’d go regularly. At 50p per minute, they’re relatively cheap and I’d often opt for a course where the salon would charge a discounted rate for a bundle, for example, £25 for 60 minutes. The best part is that I never, ever had to book. In my experience, tanning shops usually have five or more beds available and I’ve never had a favourite, so I haven’t had to wait – I’ve always just walked in.
When I was younger, I liked the fact that no one really asked me questions before each session. I was always advised to reduce the number of minutes I spent on the bed if the bulbs had not long been changed, but no other information, like personal or health details, was ever discussed.
Then, I never gave a single thought to skin cancer. Now it’s starting to concern me. My friend very recently had a cancer scare after spotting an abnormal mole, and because her doctor said it was most likely due to her excessive sunbed use, I’ve been cutting down.
Don’t get me wrong – at the time it frightened me into never wanting to use them again, but I have to admit that I still go on a sunbed in the run-up to a special occasion. I visited a tanning salon before my wedding earlier this year and it made a massive difference in how I felt in my dress and how I appeared in my photos – I looked healthy and glowing. While I don’t think a tan makes me look slimmer, it gives me a similar confidence boost as if I were to lose a couple of pounds, without having to make much effort at all.
Those are my main reasons, really. I have some friends who go on a sunbed before a holiday to give them a 'base tan' but I think that’s pointless. If you spend too much time in the sun, you’re going to burn regardless – you don't have to be a genius to work that one out.
Marianna, 29
My hormones are always in flux as I have polycystic ovarian syndrome, which means I’ve suffered with acne on and off since my teens. I get it on my face, back, chest and even on my thighs. One thing I’ve always found helpful in minimising the painful pustules and deep spots is spending time in the sun. When I’m away somewhere hot, my skin miraculously clears up, and it’s not just me who notices it. My parents and my boyfriend always comment on how great my skin looks during and after a holiday.
I was talking about it with a beauty therapist friend one day and she suggested giving sunbeds a go, as she knew a few clients who used them regularly to keep their skin from breaking out as much. At the time, my acne was really getting me down (I’d tried medication, lots of different skincare regimes and made so many visits to my GP – all useless) so I thought I’d give sunbeds a go. The thought of skin cancer or wrinkles didn’t occur to me – I just wanted my acne gone.
I started going every week, beginning with 15 minutes, then taking it up to 30 minutes each time. I still get a few whiteheads from time to time but I’ve found that the bigger, more painful spots are now few and far between. One thing I have noticed, though, is that any pigmented acne scars I have left behind are getting darker and harder to shift. Since then, I’ve limited myself to one or two sessions, once or twice a month. I also made the mistake of introducing retinol into my skincare routine and coupling it with a sunbed session recently. My skin did not react well and I won’t be doing that again.
If anything, lying on a sunbed gives me an hour of uninterrupted time where I can just let my mind wander. I feel like it’s actually becoming less of an aesthetic thing for me and more about chilling out.
I first started using sunbeds a few years ago, as I was going on holiday with a group of friends at college. We all went a few times before jetting off.
I initially used them on the run-up to a holiday but my visits became more regular once I had a taste for it. I'd say maybe a few times a month during spring and summer. Not exactly excessive, but enough! I told myself that if I got my skin used to the sun before a holiday, I wouldn't burn, which I think was actually effective. I have Irish skin, so burning for me is definitely a 'thing', but I do tend to go quite dark (post-red phase) in the sun and wanted to skip the faff of looking like a lobster.
I was aware of the risks of sunbeds, but I told myself that because I wasn't going on them for a really long period of time, I'd be fine. My sister was actually advised to use sunbeds for her vitamin D deficiency, which made me totally fine with using them.
I didn't keep my sunbed use a secret. I used to go with friends from home and also friends at university. I did initially keep it hidden from my parents, but I soon realised I can't keep secrets from that pair! I never used them at home, always in a salon – I had a loyalty card and everything.
I don't know anyone who has had health implications from sunbeds. SPF is something I'm now really conscious of. I don't use sunbeds anymore and when on holiday I'm normally all about the sunscreen – unless I've been drinking rosé by the pool! I've also recently started using facial SPF daily, as I think I've always been quite naive about sun damage in general.
Meg, 25
I used a sunbed once, and only once.
I was about 15, working part-time in a Levi's shop and one of the older ‘cooler’ girls who used to do a sunbed every day on her lunch break dragged me across the road to try one. She insisted it would be the best prep for my summer holidays.
I remember the smell hit me when I went in – what is that smell?
I stripped, put on my swimming goggles and assumed the position. When the lights came on it felt cool for a while, like I was in Blade Runner, but buck naked. After about four minutes I started to feel a bit wobbly. I pressed the panic button and the woman at reception came in. I stepped out and actually fainted, wearing nowt but the scratchy disposable panties, at her feet.
I can safely say that I never went on a sunbed again after that, and never will. I have fully accepted my pale Irish skin and wish everyone else would be happy with theirs too.
If not, there is always the reasonable, and most importantly, non-carcinogenic way to get a tan – from a bottle.
Katy, 37
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