Sunbeds

A sunbed is any tanning unit used to tan the skin with UV radiation. You may know them as solariums, sun lamps or tanning beds. The amount of UV radiation you get from a sunbed can be as much as 15 times higher than what you would get from the midday Mediterranean sun.

Contrary to what some people might think, using a sunbed is not a safer way of getting a tan than from the sun. It exposes your skin to UVA and UVB rays that damage your skin cells and can lead to skin cancer.

Research tells us that:

• People who have used a sunbed, even just once, have a 15% increased risk of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer
• If you first use a sunbed before you were 30 years of age, your risk of getting melanoma is increased by 75%
• If you use a sunbed once a month or more, your risk of skin cancer may be increased by more than half

Some things to keep in mind about sunbeds:

• If you never tan from being in the sun you will not tan by using a sunbed
• Having a tan from a sunbed does not stop your skin being damaged by further sun exposure
• Using a sunbed before going on holidays to ‘start a tan’ is not safer than getting a tan from the sun
• Using a sunbed is more dangerous for some than others

The Irish Cancer Society's position on sunbeds

Our advice is that no-one uses a sunbed to get a tan.

The sunbed industry in Ireland is not regulated and no safeguards are in place to protect those most vulnerable to UV damage that could lead to skin cancer.

If you fall into one of the following groups it is very important that you never use a sunbed:

• Are under 18 years of age
• Have fair skin that burns easily or tans slowly or poorly and tend to freckle
• Have a history of frequent sunburn
• Have a large number of moles
• Are taking medication or using creams which make your skin more sensitive to UV radiation. You could check this with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure
• Have a medical condition that is worsened by sunlight
• Anyone in your family has or had skin cancer in the past

Sunbeds and medical conditions

Apart from causing skin cancer, using a sunbed can also cause:

• Cataracts and eye irritation
• Cancer of the eye
• Sunburnt skin
• Dryness, itching and bumpy rashes of the skin
• Premature ageing of the skin

Some diseases are treated using UV radiation. However, this is done under the supervision of a doctor. If you are having UV treatment for a medical condition, your doctor will speak to you about the risks involved. 

Get involved

You can get involved in influencing public policy on sunbeds by helping out our Advocacy team. Find out more here.