Sunbed and tanning safety

Overview

Sunbeds are often used for tanning. They work by blasting your skin with ultraviolet (UV) rays. The rays penetrate your skin and can cause the same or stronger reaction as exposure to the sun.

The reaction you have will depend on your skin type and can include sunburn or tanning.

There’s no safe or healthy way to get a tan through exposure to UV rays.

In Scotland, it’s illegal to allow anyone under the age of 18 to use a sunbed or other indoor tanning devices.

If you do use sunbeds, it’s important to be aware of the risks and make sure you take safety precautions. This will help to limit any damage.

Risks of using sunbeds

Using sunbeds can increase the risk of skin cancer. Exposure to UV rays is the number one cause of skin cancer in the UK. This includes melanoma which is the most dangerous type of skin cancer.

Using a sunbed just once before the age of 35 can significantly increase your risk of melanoma.

Other risks associated with using sunbeds include:

• eye damage – using sunbeds without proper eye protection can damage your eyes
• premature aging – sunbeds can cause premature wrinkles and sun spots
• sunburn – sunbeds can cause painful and dangerous sunburn on the face and body
• a weakened immune system – UV rays can reduce the body’s immune response or cause an overreaction, which could impact your health

Sunbed safety advice

If you use sunbeds, you should follow advice to help you stay as safe as possible.

Do

• know your skin type
• limit any time on sunbeds
• read all safety information available
• ask staff for advice before using a sunbed to reduce any risk for your skin type
• wear UV blocking eyewear
• check your skin regularly for any changes
• moisturise your skin after using a sunbed

Don’t

• do not use a sunbed if you have a history of skin cancer
• do not use a sunbed if you have fair or sensitive skin
• do not have repeated sessions to build up a quick tan before a summer holiday
• do not use sunbeds as a way to boost your vitamin D – the safest way to get vitamin D is through a healthy diet or supplement

Further information on skin types and skin cancer risk

What to do if you get sunburn after using a sunbed

You can get sunburn immediately after a sunbed session or a few hours later.

If you have mild sunburn, take a cool bath or shower. If the sunburn is more severe, you should get advice from a healthcare professional.

Find out more about treating sunburn

Contact your GP practice if:

You use sunbeds and have:

• severe burning or blisters
• any skin damage
• unusual changes to your skin – including any new moles or changes to an existing mole

Phone 111 if your GP practice is closed.

Tanning without UV exposure

Fake tan can come in lotions, sprays and mousses. This is a way to get a tanned effect without being exposed to UV rays. These types of fake tan suit most skin types and can be a safer alternative to sunbeds.

Melanotan II

Melanotan II products may cause the skin to tan when exposed to UV rays. These UV rays could come from natural sunlight or sunbeds.

Melanotan II products may be available in different forms. This includes nasal sprays and tanning injections. These products are unauthorised in the UK and have not been tested. The contents are unknown.

You’re advised not to use either nasal sprays or injections for tanning.

Melanotan II use

If you use Melanotan II, or any other nasal or injection tanning products, you should stop using them immediately. If you experience any side effects, speak to your doctor as soon as possible.

Side effects of Melanotan II

The possible side effects of using Melanotan II include:

• nausea
• drowsiness
• vomiting
• loss of appetite

Some people may have more severe reactions and the long-term effects of using Melanotan II are still unknown. Using Melanotan II could lead to serious health problems in some cases.

Tanning injections also come with the same risks as other forms of injections. This includes:

• hepatitis B
• hepatitis C
• HIV/AIDS
• nerve damage
• septicaemia (blood infection)

How to report side effects of Melanotan II

Speak to your doctor if you have any side effects from Melanotan II or other similar tanning products.

You should also report any side effects to:

• the Yellow Card Scheme – for injectable products only
• your local Trading Standards office – for nasal sprays only

Don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.