Using a solarium, sunbed or tanning bed to tan is not any safer than sun tanning. In fact, using a solarium can increase your risk of a melanoma because sunbeds also emit UVA and UVB radiation from above and below your body.
The Australian Standard for Solaria for Cosmetic Purposes restricts solarium operators from advertising their product as being safe, a safer alternative or healthy. In Australia, people under the age of 15 are not allowed access to solariums and people between the ages of 15 and 18 require parental written consent.
If you choose to use a solarium, know the facts. Solarium operators must provide you with correct information about the risks and ask you to sign a consent form before use. If you are unclear about the risks, or feel uncomfortable with what the operator tells you, it is strongly recommended that you choose not to use the solarium.
Related links:
Solarium Fact Sheet
Skin type
Skin Cancer Risk Quiz
Interesting links:
Clare's experience: www.clareolivermelanomafund.org
World Health Organization: Artificial tanning sunbeds. Risks and guidance: www.who.int/uv/publications/sunbedpubl/en/
Myth: "I need lots of sun to get Vitamin D"
We all need Vitamin D for good health and the main source for Australians is the sun. However, the vast majority of us will get all the Vitamin D we need, not by tanning but just going about our normal daily activities while still protecting our skin in the five ways below.
Related links:
Vitamin D Fact Sheet
We all need Vitamin D for good health and the main source for Australians is the sun. However, the vast majority of us will get all the Vitamin D we need, not by tanning but just going about our normal daily activities while still protecting our skin in the five ways below.
- Seek shade – avoid sun exposure during the middle of the day (10am-2pm or 11am-3pm daylight saving time)
- Wear protective clothing that covers your skin, including your arms and legs
- Wear a broad-brimmed hat
- Wear sunglasses
- Apply SPF 30+ broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours
Related links:
Vitamin D Fact Sheet
Myth: "I'm healthier with a tan"
In a recent Cancer Institute NSW survey, 34% agreed that they feel healthier with a tan.
You may think you feel or look healthier with a tan but once you understand what is happening to your skin, you'll think again.
There's nothing healthy about a tan.
It is best to understand your skin type and protect your body's largest organ.
Related links:
Tanning: skin cells in trauma
Understand the tanning process (see television commercial)
Interesting links:
World Health Organization: Sunbeds, tanning and UV exposure: www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs287/en/index.html
In a recent Cancer Institute NSW survey, 34% agreed that they feel healthier with a tan.
You may think you feel or look healthier with a tan but once you understand what is happening to your skin, you'll think again.
- Tanning is skin cells in trauma. In response to UV damage, skin cells produce melanin to protect themselves. However, one damaged cell can start a deadly melanoma growing.
Too much UV exposure can result in structural damage to your skin – in the short term, burning or scarring and in the long term premature ageing or skin cancer.
It is best to understand your skin type and protect your body's largest organ.
Related links:
Tanning: skin cells in trauma
Understand the tanning process (see television commercial)
Interesting links:
World Health Organization: Sunbeds, tanning and UV exposure: www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs287/en/index.html
There's arange of other websites you
may also find
useful.
World Health Organization: Artificial tanning sunbeds Risks and guidance
World Health Organization: Sunbeds, tanning and UV exposure
Testimonials: Clare
Testimonials: Steve
Australasian College of Dermatologists: Sun protection