Sunbeds and skin safety

Melanoma Focus strongly recommend that sunbeds are avoided. We urge the Government to take significant steps to reduce usage. The case for banning commercial sunbed use should be considered and if not taken forward, notable action, including tackling the ongoing use of sunbeds by under 18s as well as introducing new regulation, such as banning all commercial sunbed advertising and regular monitoring of irradiance levels must be implemented as an alternative.

We are committed to further research in this important area and we part-funded some work based on the approach in Australia where sunbeds are banned.

In 2009, The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified ultraviolet light emitted from tanning beds as carcinogenic, and placed artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation alongside tobacco and asbestos in the highest category of carcinogen [1].

It is estimated that, across the UK, sunbeds cause about 440 melanomas and around 100 deaths each year [2] [3].

Studies have found that first exposure to indoor tanning before age 35 years is associated with a 59% increased risk of developing melanoma [4].

Over the last decade, melanoma skin cancer incidence rates have increased by around a third in the UK. Source: CRUK

Sunbeds increase your risk of getting melanoma:

Sunbeds emit high intensity UV radiation which can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to genetic changes and mutations.

This damage from UV exposure, particularly in younger skin, increases your risk of skin cancer over time. Your body may repair some of this DNA damage, however, the unrepaired damage and mutations may build up over time increasing your risk of skin cancer and melanoma.

A tan is a negative reaction to damaged skin cells that have been exposed to UV radiation.

Dangers of sunbeds:

There is evidence that sunbeds increase the risk of melanoma. They are dangerous because:

  • Many sunbeds give out greater doses of UV rays than the midday tropical sun
  • You cannot always see the damage UV rays cause and the symptoms of skin damage can take up to can take about 8-10 years to appear

  • It is estimated that in the UK about 100 people die each year from melanomas that are due to sunbed use [3].

Who is at risk?

Anyone who uses a sunbed is at risk of damaging their skin. The risk increases with paler skin types, so if you are fair, prone to burning or have many moles, your risk is likely to be higher.

The incidence of melanoma is related to age, however, in contrast to most cancer types, melanoma also occurs relatively frequently at younger ages. In the 15-44 year age group, melanoma is the second most common cancer in males and the third most common cancer females [4].

In the 20-24 year age group, melanoma skin cancer is the most common cancer in females [5].

See below to bust some of the MYTHS surrounding the perceived ‘benefits’ of sunbeds.

Did you know?

There is no mandatory licensing of sunbed outlets.

Across the UK it is ILLEGAL for anyone under 18 to use a sunbed. However, despite this legal ban our 2025 data found that a third of UK 16-17 year olds are using sunbeds.

The Government’s Sunbed (Regulation) Act 2010

The main purpose of this act is to prevent the use of sunbeds under the age of 18 years. The Welsh Assembly has the power to further regulate sunbeds in Wales, however, they have not exercised their powers. Local authorities are responsible for enforcing the Act.

Sunbeds Act May 2012 came into force in Northern Ireland.

Our research found:

29% of people are using sunbeds in the UK
(2025)

34% of 16-17 year olds are using sunbeds in the UK (2025)

Only 59% of people know that sunbed use increases the risk of skin cancer (2025)

68% of 16-17 year olds know that sunbed use increases the risk of skin cancer (2025)

Men are using sunbeds more than women
(2025)

11% of sunbed users use them at least once per week
(2025)

52% of 18-25 year olds know that sunbed use increases the risk of skin cancer (2024)

23% of 18-25 year olds believe that sunbed use actually decreases the risk of skin cancer
(2024)

43% of 18-25 year olds are using sunbeds in the UK (2024)

 

Read more about our research

Let’s bust some myths! 

We aim to bust some of the dangerous myths surrounding the perceived ‘benefits’ of sunbed usage.

“Using a sunbed before my holiday helps prevent sunburn”

MYTH!

There is a common misconception that using sunbeds before going on holiday will help prep your skin ready for the powerful sun abroad and therefore protect our bodies from sunburn.

This is untrue. Using a sunbed will NOT prevent your body from sunburn, but you can find many practical and SAFE ways here that you can protect your skin when enjoying the sun both at home and away.

Yellow sun umbrella

86% of melanoma cases are preventable

“Sunbeds are safer than sun-bathing”

MYTH

There is no such thing as a ‘safe tan’ when it comes to UV radiation.

The tan that your body gains from using a sunbed is a reaction from the damage caused in the skin cells from too much UV radiation exposure. The UV rays emitted by the sun and sunbeds are equally as dangerous to your skin.

If you really desire a tan, then the only safe way to do this is by getting a spray tan or using a reputable bottled fake tan product. Fake tan and spray tan contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the top layer of your skin to change its colour. In 2020, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety found that fake tan products containing DHA are not a health risk.[6]

Remember having a spray tan or using fake tan does NOT protect your skin from the UV emitted by the sun.

Did you know that 86% of melanoma cases are preventable?

“I need to use a sunbed to gain Vitamin D”

MYTH!

Any Vitamin D you get from a sunbed is outweighed by the damage and harm caused to your skin.

Sunbeds mainly emit UVA rays whereas UVB is required for vitamin D production.  Therefore, sunbeds are NOT going to significantly increase your vitamin D levels.

There are many different foods that are a great source of vitamin D, such as red meats, salmon, sardines, and egg yolks.
During our colder seasons like Autumn and winter, you may also want to try taking a vitamin D supplement.

Throughout the warmer months of the year your body will naturally gain vitamin D through small and safe amounts of exposure to UVB rays from sunlight.

Learn more about Vitamin D

types of food with vitamin d in

Emma, was first diagnosed with melanoma when she was 23 years old. She said:

“I was 16 when I used my first sunbed. I never used them consistently, but I would have a couple of sessions a week for a while before going on holiday to get a ‘base tan’, I did also burn thinking that it would turn to a tan.”

“I really want to share my story to show others how important it is not to use sunbeds and to wear factor 30+ sunscreen. I want people to understand this can happen to anyone and at a young age too.I have had two melanomas diagnosed; one when I was 23 and one when I was 29. I’m now 35 and I worry about my future every day. Cancer doesn’t end when it gets cut out. It’s not a risk worth taking.”

Read Emma’s story

A young blonde lady with short hair smiling directly at the camera

Claire, was diagnosed with melanoma aged 39 years old. She said:

“I’m embarrassed to admit that, although not regularly, I did use sunbeds as a teenager, aged around 16 and 17 years old. They were often unsupervised, so no one checked my age. Being so young skin cancer was never at the front of my mind, and I naively thought I was invincible. I really hope stories like mine can be a warning for people. I also hope the UK follows places like Australia, Brazil and Iran who have all banned commercial/cosmetic sunbeds.”

Read Claire’s story

A young girl wearing a wide brimmed hat smiling at the camera

Professor Catherine Harwood, Consultant Dermatologist and Melanoma Focus Trustee said: 

“We know that sunbed use is a significant risk factor for developing melanoma.

“Sunbeds emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which damages the DNA of skin cells leading to genetic mutations and other changes that can cause the growth of cancerous cells.

“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.”

Fake tan and melanotan (tanning nasals and MT2)

Learn more about fake tans and the dangers of melanotan tanning nasals and injections. 

Relevant References:

[1]In 2009, as a response to data highlighting the risks associated with indoor tanning, the World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified ultraviolet light emitted from tanning beds as carcinogenic, and placed artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation alongside tobacco and asbestos in the highest category of carcinogen: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4929140/#:~:text=In%202009%2C%20as%20a%20response,ultraviolet%20radiation%20alongside%20tobacco%20and

[2]Sunbeds cause about 440 malignant melanomas each year – more than one a day – and just under one hundred deaths. https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2012/07/27/sunbeds-cause-skin-cancer-the-evidence-is-clear/

[3]It is estimated that in the UK about 100 people die each year from melanomas that are due to sunbed use: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/sunbeds-policy

[4] Boniol M, Autier P, Boyle P, et al. Correction to Cutaneous melanoma attributable to sunbed use: systematic review and meta-analysis(link is external). BMJ 2012;345:e8503.

[5] https://digital.nhs.uk/ndrs/data/data-outputs/ctya-uk-cancer-statistics-report-2021/cancer-incidence

[6]Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. Opinion on Dihydroxyacetone (2020). https://health.ec.europa.eu/document/download/c34cee64-4318-4feb-a8ac-296f60815926_en