Sunbeds
Like the sun, sunbeds give out UV rays. Exposure to UV rays is the main cause of skin cancer.
So, just like sunbathing, using a sunbed can increase your risk of skin cancer. The more you use sunbeds the greater the risk is likely to be, and when the tan fades the skin damage remains.
Sunbeds also cause premature skin aging, which means that your skin becomes wrinkly, tough and blemished at a younger age.
Who is most at risk?
People with fair skin that tends to burn are at higher risk of problems from sunbed use than those with darker skin. And if you don't tan in the sun, you will not tan any more easily on a sunbed.
You should NEVER use a sunbed if you:
- are under 16
- have fair or freckly skin
- burn easily
- have a lot of moles
- have had skin cancer in the past
- have a family history of skin cancer
- are using medication that increases your sensitivity to UV.
Contacts
The contacts database contains details of organisations that may be able to offer information or assistance on this issue.
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Based on information kindly supplied by Cancer Research UK - www.sunsmart.org.uk
