Many people like the way their skin looks when it is tan, as it can make them look more toned, healthier, and even improve the appearance of imperfections such as acne or stretch marks. In some cultures, having a tan is seen as a symbol of wealth or status, as it suggests that the person has the time and resources to spend outdoors or on vacation.
It is important to note that excessive tanning can have negative health consequences, such as an increased risk of skin cancer (both malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers) and premature aging of the skin. Therefore, it is important to practice safe sun habits and avoid overexposure to UV rays. One may think that using a sunbed to achieve a tan is a safer option than laying in direct sunlight, however think again, it may even be moreharmful depending on factors such as:
- The strength of UV rays from the sunbed
- How often one uses a sunbed
- The length of one’s sunbed sessions
- One’s skin type – for example, whether one has a fair or dark skin
- Age
Sunbeds, sunlamps and tanning booths emit the same type of harmful UV radiation as sunlight and can also pose health risks, as overexposure to UV radiation can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer (both malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers). They consist of a bed or booth with a series of UV bulbs that emit UVA and UVB radiation. UVA rays make up about 95% of sunlight. They can cause one’s skin to age prematurely, making it look coarse, leathery and wrinkled. UVB rays make up about 5% and cause one’s skin to burn.
Currently, despite scientific evidence of the harmful effects of sunbed use, the South African National Department of Health does not see the need to introduce protective measures against the use of sunbeds by individuals younger than 18 years. There is no regulation that governs the type or strength of UV rays that sunbeds give out. One cannot always see the damage that UV rays cause. The symptoms of skin damage can take up to 20 years to appear. UV rays can also damage one’s eyes, causing problems such as irritation, conjunctivitis or cataracts, particularly if one does not wear sunglasses.
Using a sunbed can increase your risk of skin damage and burns, especially if you do not take proper precautions.
Here are some concerns to keep in mind when using a sunbed:
- Increased risk of skin cancer: The UV radiation emitted by sunbeds can damage the DNA in your skin cells, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
- Burns: Overexposure to UV radiation can cause sunburn, which can be painful and increase your risk of skin damage and cancer.
- Premature aging: Exposure to UV radiation can also cause premature aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
- Eye damage: UV radiation can also damage your eyes, leading to cataracts and other eye conditions.
To reduce the risk of skin damage and burns when using a sunbed, it is important to take proper precautions, such as:
- Limit your exposure: Limit the amount of time you spend in a sunbed to no more than 10-15 minutes at a time.
- Protect your skin: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on all exposed skin, and wear protective eyewear to shield your eyes from UV radiation.
- Check the equipment: Make sure that the sunbed you are using is properly maintained and that the bulbs are not expired or damaged.
- Avoid sunbeds altogether: The best way to reduce your risk of skin damage and burns from UV radiation is to avoid using sunbeds altogether and instead opt for safer methods of achieving a tan, such as using a self-tanning lotion or spray.
