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Telegraph
3 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Exactly what happens to your body when you're sunburnt
Wearing sunscreen should be as routine as brushing teeth or wearing a seatbelt or a bike helmet. Yet many of us – particularly those intent on getting a tan – will have felt that hot, tingling sensation on our shoulders already this month and kicked ourselves for not protecting our skin. Around half the British population get sunburnt at least once a year, according to a study by Melanoma Focus, which found that younger people are the most careless, with 65 per cent of 18 to 32 year olds getting burnt. The same study also revealed that 36 per cent of British people rarely or never apply sunscreen when in the UK during summer months – a figure that increases to 42 per cent for men. Alarm bells should be ringing, as both sunburn and sun tans are physical signs that your skin is reacting to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. 'They are on the same spectrum of damage with a sun tan representing the skin attempting to protect itself from UV damage and a sunburn at the extreme end where it can no longer protect itself – a sign that your skin has been severely damaged at a microscopic level,' says Dr Mary Sommerlad, a consultant dermatologist and spokesman for the British Skin Foundation. 'Repeated sunburns at any age increase your risk of skin cancer; blistering sunburns particularly before adulthood have been shown to increase the risk of malignant melanoma, the type of skin cancer that can shorten life.' Melanoma, once considered rare, is now the fifth most common cancer in the UK with around 17,500 new cases diagnosed each year. The UK now has more deaths from melanoma each year than Australia. 'This data is extremely concerning as we know that more than five sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk of melanoma,' says Susanna Daniels of Melanoma Focus. Sunburn is itchy, painful and in some cases unsightly for about a week, but the damage to the DNA in the skin cells is irreversible and can lead to cancer over time. UV rays can also cause premature ageing and pigmentation. So it's essential that we understand the immediate and longer-term effects of sun on the skin, says Dr Sommerlad. What happens after you get sunburnt After 15 minutes You might not feel it yet but the damage has already begun. Within just 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, UV radiation begins penetrating the outermost layers of your skin. 'UVB radiation starts damaging DNA,' Dr Sommerlad says. 'The body's immune system recognises this damage and triggers an inflammatory response. Blood vessels dilate, which is why in those with lightly pigmented skin, the skin can look red and feels warm and tender. This response is your body trying to bring immune cells to the area to repair the damage. In those with deeply pigmented skin, redness may be less perceptible but instead the skin may feel warm and tender.' After two hours The feelings of warmth, tenderness and swelling may worsen as your immune system continues to respond, Dr Sommerlad continues. 'Blistering may appear in very extreme cases – a troubling sign of dead skin cells that have lost the ability to remain cohesive.' Pain worsens as the nerve cells are activated by the inflammation from the UV damage. Furthermore, in very severe cases there may be flu-like symptoms of chills, aching and nausea caused by a release of inflammatory chemicals into the bloodstream from the extensive UV damage. After 48 hours Peeling begins as your body sheds damaged skin cells trying to remove cells with irreparable DNA damage. 'The skin may remain red or darker than the original skin colour. Itchy skin occurs as wound healing events start to occur in the sun burnt areas,' Dr Sommerlad says. The process of healing the skin can release chemicals in the skin that increase the sensation of itch, she says, a bit like when you have an itchy scab. After 72 hours Excess uneven pigmentation appears as the initial pain and swelling subsides. This is from the overproduction of eumelanin, a type of melanin, in response to excess UV exposure, Dr Sommerlad says. This manifests as freckles, sun spots known as solar lentigos. 'These are often permanent but may fade in less sunny months only to reappear in sunnier weather. Others do not fade even in the winter months,' Dr Sommerlad explains. 'It is important to regularly monitor your skin for any changes, particularly moles,' agrees Clare O'Connor, a suncare scientific advisor at Boots. 'If you do notice anything unusual, you should visit your GP, an NHS Walk-in Centre or a pharmacist.' A mole scanning service is available in selected Boots stores, while a SmartSkin Checker, an AI-powered skin tool that can screen for over 70 skin conditions, is available via Boots Online Doctor. After one year Your skin remembers being sunburnt long after your tan has faded. Long-term effects include hyperpigmentation manifesting as patchy pigment, freckling and sun spots, liver spots or age spots, Dr Sommerlad says. 'Fine lines and loss of firmness can also be observed.' These changes are broadly described as photo damage and give the skin a prematurely aged appearance. UV eye damage can lead to early cataract formation and growths on the surface of the eye such as pterygium which can affect your vision. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that up to 20 per cent of cataracts globally are the result of UV overexposure. After a decade Cumulative DNA damage from repeated sunburns can eventually overwhelm your skin's repair mechanisms, leading to mutations in genes that control the skin cells potentially leading to pre-cancer and cancerous skin changes, Dr Sommerlad continues. We know that melanomas arise through a complicated interplay between melanocytes – the cells that give pigment – developing uncontrolled growth and division. 'It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when and why melanomas form,' she says. 'We do know that some people are much more likely to get them.' Those with lots of unusual looking moles, a history of sunburn and sun tan bed use, and who burn very easily or have a family history of skin cancer are at higher risk. According to Dr Sommerlad, photo-damaged skin appears saggier, more lined and wrinkled with extensive uneven pigmentation giving the skin a prematurely aged appearance. Can you reverse sun damage? If so, how? While you can't reverse the underlying damage from sun exposure, you can treat the skin with aftersun afterwards, which cools it and keeps it moisturised. 'Lotions with aloe vera can have a cooling effect on the skin,' O'Connor explains. 'It's also important to drink plenty of water to keep yourself cool and prevent dehydration.' Although prevention is better than cure, some skincare ingredients can help boost texture and firmness such as retinoids and peptides, adds Dr Sommerlad, while retinoids can also help fade dark marks. 'Niacinamide and antioxidants like vitamin C can help with hyperpigmentation too,' she says. 'In clinic procedures such as intense pulsed light (IPL), laser resurfacing, skin peels and microneedling can also target hyperpigmentation and skin laxity but may not suit everyone and can be expensive as you might need several treatments.' How can I protect myself in the future? Dr Sommerlad recommends sticking to shaded areas when spending time outside and avoiding outdoor activities when the sun is at its most potent between midday and 2pm. 'Wear breathable clothing that keeps you cool but protects from sunburns such as long sleeves and keep backs and lower limbs covered,' she advises, adding that we should all invest in a wide brimmed sun hat and suns glasses that have UV protection. For the parts of the body that are not easily covered such as face and neck, hands and ears, she suggests using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+ or 50 with a high UVA protection). 'Reapply every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating. Never rely on sunscreen alone as its application is also 'user dependent' and 'reuse dependent', and prioritise seeking shade and avoiding sunbathing as well as the protective clothing,' she says. If you notice any signs of sunburn, you should seek shade and cover up with clothing to help stop any more damage from happening. Putting on more sunscreen doesn't mean you can stay out in the sun for longer, Dr Sommerlad adds. Does sunscreen really work? Up to 86 per cent of melanomas are preventable if you protect your skin in the sun, according to Melanoma Focus, with sunscreen and protective clothing. SPF stands for sun protection factor and measures the product's protection against UVB rays; if your skin would burn in 10 minutes and SPF 30 should protect you for 30 times longer, ie about 300 minutes. 'We should use a minimum of SPF30 for all skin tones, increasing to SPF50 for those with fair or sun sensitive skin and for children,' O'Connor says. It's important that a sunscreen also has a high UVA level. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature ageing and skin cancer; they can even pass through a glass window or windscreen. 'Always check the UVA rating when purchasing sunscreen and look for five-star rated UVA, indicating the highest level of UVA protection,' O'Connor says. 'Broad spectrum' means it protects against both UVA and UVB. FAQs Is tanning as bad as sunburn? Yes. Tanning, even without burning, still damages DNA and increases your risk of skin cancer. There's no such thing as a 'safe tan.' What does skin cancer look like? Broadly speaking, Stage 1 melanoma may be a small, flat or raised mole with irregular borders and colour variation, Dr Sommerlad says. It arises in an existing mole in about 20 per cent of cases. Early detection and treatment may reduce the risk of it spreading beyond Stage 1. I had sunburn as a child – is there anything I can do now? Yes. Get familiar with 'self surveillance': checking the skin for potential skin cancers. Have a low threshold to consult a dermatologist if you notice any concerning changes to your skin; early detection of cancer is key. For advice on how to check your skin, see The British Association of Dermatologists website. Meanwhile, be meticulous with sun protection. Avoid sunbathing and suntan beds altogether even if you don't burn. The NHS do not offer mole check services, but many private providers do and may be worth considering if you have a lots of freckles and moles for an in person full skin check where you can also learn how to continue checking yourself at home. Don't I need to go into the sun to get vitamin D? Getting some sun on our skin can help our bodies to make the vitamin D it needs for healthy bones, according to Cancer Research UK, but whatever your skin tone, there's no need to sunbathe or risk getting sunburn for the sake of vitamin D intake. Can you sunburn on a cloudy day? Yes as the clouds don't block all UV; in fact 80 per cent can get through. UV doesn't heat the air – that's infra red light from the sun that gives the warm feeling – so you may be lulled into a false sense of security about UV strength on a cloudy summer's day. Can all skin types sunburn?
The Guardian
05-08-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Burn notice: Gen Z and the terrifying rise of extreme tanning
Hannah Clark got her first spray tan for her school prom and has never looked back. 'I'm not proud of it, but I have used sunbeds,' says the 29-year-old graphic designer from Plymouth. Her goal is 'that glow you get when coming back from holiday. You know, when you walk around and people say: 'Oh, you look really healthy.' It's that feeling I'm chasing.' Clark is far from alone. On TikTok and Instagram, posts with the hashtag 'sunbed' number more than 500,000. Last year, a survey from skin cancer charity Melanoma Focus found that 28% of UK adults use sunbeds, but this rose to 43% among those aged 18 to 25. This new generation of younger tanning obsessives will go to extreme lengths to darken their skin. Some track the UV index – the level of the sun's ultraviolet radiation – and deliberately sit in the sun at the most dangerous times of day. Others use unregulated nasal tanning sprays and injections, which rely on a chemical to darken the skin. All the people under 30 I spoke to for this article know how dangerous tanning is. NHS guidance states that there is no safe or healthy way to get a tan and advises keeping out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, wearing sunscreen of at least factor 30, and covering up with clothing, hats and sunglasses. Dr Zoe Venables, a consultant dermatologist at Norfolk and Norwich University hospitals, with an interest in skin cancer epidemiology, says that when skin turns darker after UV exposure it 'suggests you're damaging those cells in your skin'. Sunbeds are categorised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as 'dangerous' – with their cosmetic use increasing incidences of skin cancers and driving down the age at which skin cancer first appears. It says people who have used a sunbed at least once at any point in their lives have a 20% greater chance of developing melanoma – the deadliest of the three most common forms of skin cancer – than someone who hasn't. For someone who has used a tanning bed for the first time before the age of 35, there is a 59% greater chance of developing melanoma. Despite this stark reality, having a tan is still presented to many young people as aspirational – whether it's faux tan-lines appearing on catwalks or bronzed influencers on holidays in Dubai. Many sunbed shop owners sell tanning as a form of 'self-care', while influencers post 'come for a sunbed with me' videos. Perhaps most perniciously, some sunbed shops even make light of the known risk associated with them. One meme shared on Instagram by a tanning salon overlays the text: 'When someone tells you sunbeds are bad for you' with a clip from the sitcom Benidorm, in which the character Madge Harvey says: 'I spy with my little eye something beginning with AB: absolute bollocks.' Emily Harris, 23, from Leeds, uses sunbeds. Her parents both work for the NHS and have warned her about the risks. But she says that having spent most of her teenage years in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, followed by various global conflicts and the ever-looming presence of climate breakdown, the dangers of a sunbed seem small by comparison. 'You can die of anything – do you know what I mean?' she says. While Harris, who works in sales, can't afford to use sunbeds all the time, she uses them whenever she has 'a bit of spare money', making use of the deals that salons offer. Before a recent holiday, she bought a package that gave her unlimited minutes, with a daily limit, for four weeks. 'I was going every day,' Harris says, which she admits 'is a bit silly', but adds: 'I was trying to make the most of the package.' As well as using tanning beds, Harris is 'obsessed with tracking the UV', and has the index on the lock-screen of her phone. She and her colleagues plan their breaks around times when the UV index is highest, so they can maximise their exposure to the dangerous radiation. A number of her friends also use nasal tanning sprays, which were the subject of a Trading Standards warning issued earlier this year that stated: 'These products can cause nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, and even changes in mole shape and size … studies have shown a potential link to melanoma, a type of skin cancer.' Harris tried one when her friend had a spare bottle, but 'didn't see a result' so hasn't used one again. Was she worried about what might have been in it? 'To be honest, not really. I know it's bad, but at the time, I was more bothered about getting a tan.' Nasals, as they are known, usually contain a lab-made substance called melanotan II, a chemical that darkens skin pigmentation. Though it is illegal to sell medicinal products containing melanotan II in the UK, cosmetic products fall outside that remit and are easily available on social media. Dr Suraj Kukadia, a GP known to his 282,000 TikTok followers as 'Doctor Sooj', is concerned about the popularity of nasal sprays. He says melanotan II can also lead to 'painful and sustained erections in men, kidney damage, acne and muscle-wasting'. Holly Feldman, 25, lives in Surrey and is the CEO of a swimwear boutique. She has more than 10,000 followers on Instagram and is often sent free tanning products such as nasal sprays and injections. 'I think that was why it was so addictive for me,' she says. Though she had no idea what was in these products, and the injections in particular made her feel unwell, she says: 'I was just trying to turn a blind eye to it because I was so obsessed with how it made me look.' Feldman recently appeared on former Love Island contestant Olivia Attwood's ITV documentary series The Price of Perfection, in which Attwood explores the risks of various cosmetic treatments. Being on the show made Feldman realise how much potential damage she could be doing. She hasn't used a tanning injection for four months, and has reduced her use of a nasal spray to a couple of times over the past month, when previously it would have been four inhalations a day. 'I do still use sunbeds,' she says. 'But I have cut down. There was a time when I was going on them four, five, six times a week and now I only go on them once or twice.' Data from the UK and Ireland's Sunbed Association suggests that tanning beds are most popular among 25- to 45-year-olds, and more women than men use them. But that's not to say gen Z men are free from the pressure to sport a tan. Craig Hopkins, a 29-year-old dance teacher based in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, says he uses sunbeds to 'look like I've just come back from holiday'. He prefers the look of a 'real' tan to a fake tan, which ties in to existing social media trends such as 'looking expensive' and 'quiet luxury'. 'On Instagram especially, everyone is always on holiday, always super brown. So it's probably just trying to keep up,' Harris says. Like Harris, Hopkins also tried a nasal spray once, via a friend who used to sell them, but it made him 'feel really sick'. Despite the known risks and side-effects, most of the young people I spoke to for this article were still willing to give nasal sprays a try. Megan Urbaniak, a 23-year-old nail technician from Rotherham, says: 'I feel as if I know a million people who use them and everyone seems to have been fine. It does kind of weird me out that they don't tell you what's in them, but I'm sure there's worse in the world.' Urbaniak is a regular sunbed user – and has even encouraged friends to use them before going on holiday 'because it stops you from burning immediately when going in the sun'. Venables is quick to debunk claims such as this, saying that all it does is put your skin through even more 'excess UV exposure'. She points to another type of common skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, which is thought to be due to cumulative UV exposure. While Urbaniak does not seem to be put off by any safety concerns, she is keen to stress that there is a 'cultural line that you probably shouldn't cross' when it comes to tanning as a white person. 'I don't think that my body is capable of going that colour, but if it was, I'd like to think someone would tell me to stop.' That said, it isn't just white people who like to tan. Melissa Jones, 19, from Chester, says she has 'seen way more people of colour – including south-east Asian girls like me – getting into tanning. For me, it's not about being darker – it's about adding that warm, radiant glow and evening out my tone'. Like Feldman, Jones uses the word 'addictive' in relation to her tanning habit, and thinks it helps her in her job as a content creator. Tanned skin 'looks amazing on camera and in content', she says. However, she has recently switched from using tanning beds to using only fake tan. 'I became more aware of the risks, like ageing, skin cancer, all of that.' The WHO has urged countries to consider banning sunbeds: Australia banned all commercial sunbeds 10 years ago and Brazil banned them in 2009. Kukadia and Venables both say they would like them banned in the UK. Jak Howell, a 26-year-old content creator from Swansea, has been urging his followers to stop using sunbeds since he was diagnosed with stage three advanced melanoma when he was 21, which his doctors were surprised to see in someone so young, and said was probably due to his use of sunbeds. Howell had been using sunbeds regularly since he was 15 (it has been illegal for under-18s to use tanning beds since 2010, but the ones Howell used weren't staffed. Customers bought tokens from a machine and slotted them into the beds). When a mole appeared on his back that 'kept bleeding and scabbing over but never healing', he sent a photograph of it to his GP and was immediately referred to hospital. He underwent radiotherapy and surgeries to remove his lymph nodes, but these failed to remove the cancer. Eventually, after a year of immunotherapy, which 'completely knocks you for six', he went into remission. Howell now wants to see sunbeds banned. He tells young users: 'OK, it hasn't happened yet, but it could happen. And when it does happen, it is far, far worse than anything I could ever describe and you could ever imagine.' For many young people, though, the allure of the sunbed's 'instant fix' is too great to resist. And it's not as if this is the first time young people have put themselves at risk. As Kukadia points out: 'If alcohol was discovered or invented now, it would be illegal.' But tanning does feel different from other classic rebellious pursuits such as binge drinking, cigarettes and drugs because people don't do it for fun, but to achieve a certain aesthetic – a symptom, perhaps, of our screen-filtered lives. 'If I wasn't on social media, I probably wouldn't use sunbeds,' Feldman admits, but because her job requires social media use, she can't see herself stopping. A few years ago, Clark noticed a dark, 'pretty scary-looking' lesion on her leg, and was referred to a dermatologist. Though it didn't turn out to be skin cancer-related, she had to have it removed, and the experience has stopped her being so 'frivolous' with tanning beds. Urbaniak can't see herself giving up either. 'If something were to go wrong, then maybe I'd reconsider,' she says. 'But I feel as if I'm in that generation where we all just live in denial until something happens.'
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'Britain's 'tandemic' isn't just a beauty trend - it's a public health crisis'
Pall Mall Medical GP, Dr Chun Tang, says the UK's "tandemic" is part of a wider health crisis amongst young Brits, for which the concern goes far beyond being a beauty trend gone wrong Promoted on TikTok as a beauty trend loved by thousands, the return of sunbed tanning among young Brits - particularly Gen Z - is a huge cause for concern. Dubbed 'Britain's tandemic' by GP Dr Chun Tang: "We're seeing a generation chasing the perfect tan at any cost." Hooked on the look, the love of deep tans has seen a surge in sunbed vists, particularly in Northern cities, as research shows Newcastle as the leading city for tan addiction with an alarming 2,042 searches per 100,000 residents each month. That's 6,280 searches in June 2025 alone. A close second is Manchester at 1,981 per 100K, with Warrington (1,839), Sheffield (1,657) and Glasgow (1,638) following to make Britain's top five. What's most surprising is London's 593 searches (for every 100K), presenting a clear regional divide. Unfortunately for Brits, Dr Tang warns this latest beauty trend hides major health risks underneath its tanned, glowing skin. Sunbed use causes a range of serious side-effects, from burns to skin cancer - and now doctors are now begging for the end of this looming health crisis disguised as a Gen Z trend. 'A public health crisis in the making' The dangers of the machine-made tan were also highlighted in a Melanoma Focus study, which found 43 percent of young people aged 18 - 25 admitted to using sunbeds and 29 percent confirmed a regular top-up. Glamourised by influencers and content creators in social media trends, the need for bronzed skin for a 'hot girl summer' has both boosted searches and content. Google searches related to sunbeds and tanning have rapidly increased to half a million, with '#sunbed' and '#sunbeds' achieving a combined 159,400 posts on TikTok. As well as more social content, there are more shopping opportunities too, as tan-enhancing products, such as carrot oil and bronzing butters are advertised on TikTok Shop. Dr Tang tells us that the health risks are undeniable, and include: premature ageing, severe burns, and most worryingly, an increased risk of skin cancer. "This isn't just a beauty trend, it's a public health crisis in the making," he says. Debunking the Vitamin D myth According to the NHS, vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. The site notes that the best source for vitamin D, from March through to September, is sunlight. "The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors," the site reads. Vitamin D can also be found in oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, trout, herring or mackerel, red meat, egg yolks and can be taken via supplements. According to Active Salon, while the levels of UVB you'll get from a sunbed are not quite as high as the sun, sunbed lamps do emit both UVA and UVB radiation. "This means that indoor tanning, whether in a lie-down sunbed or stand-up booth, can help your body to produce vitamin D," the site explains.. However, Dr Tang shuts down the myth of sunbeds being a safe way to top up vitamin D. He says this myth is "dangerously misleading" and urges Brits to avoid sunbeds altogether as there is "no safe level of use". Instead he recommends tan lovers to "embrace self-tan lotions or sprays as safer alternatives; cover up with hats and UV-protective clothing outdoors; and get regular skin checks, especially if you've used sunbeds in the past". For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. 'Use SPF and brush up on the ABCDE rule' The GP advises individuals " use SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even in winter" and to follow the 'ABCDE rule' when monitoring existing moles/ changes on our skin. "The ABCDE mole rule is a handy way to spot anything suspicious: A is for Asymmetry; B is for Border (look for jagged edges); C is for Colour (multiple or uneven shades); and D is for Diameter (anything bigger than a pencil eraser should get checked out). Finally, E is for Evolution (keep track of any changes in your moles over time)". "In short, if a mole looks weird or is changing, get it seen. We now have innovative assessments like mole mapping that creates a detailed photographic record of your moles, helping detect new or changing ones early. They can be crucial for spotting skin cancer before it becomes serious".
Refinery29
02-07-2025
- Health
- Refinery29
I Know How Risky Sunbeds Are, So Why Can't I Quit Them?
Welcome to Sun Blocked, Refinery29's global call to action to wake up to the serious dangers of tanning. No lectures or shaming, we promise. Instead, our goal is to arm you with the facts you need to protect your skin to the best of your ability, because there's no such thing as safe sun. 'I'll just do a few sessions on a sunbed to build a base tan before my holiday,' I told myself earlier this year. The results weren't instant, unlike the self-tanners I've used for over a decade, but after a few visits, my skin looked golden. I enjoyed the somewhat lasting glow that didn't leave me looking like a slice of tiger bread after four days. I planned to stop going to the tanning salon once I got back to the UK, but the allure of sunbed-kissed skin was hard to resist. What started as building a holiday base tan — which dermatologists argue is actually a myth — quickly turned into, 'I'll keep going so I'm tanned for my birthday,' then, 'I might as well continue over summer. A few more weeks won't hurt.' Before I knew it, I was clocking up minutes at the tanning salon like points on my Tesco Clubcard. Unlike the money-off coupons I get with my Clubcard, however, there's no long-term benefit to using sunbeds. But I know this. I know the potentially life-threatening risks of using sunbeds. I know that sunbed use increases the risk of developing skin cancer like melanoma, and that sunbeds cause about 440 melanomas and around 100 deaths each year in the UK, according to research from the charity Melanoma Focus. I'm not alone in knowing the risks. In a UK survey conducted this year, 59% of people admitted they knew that sunbed use increases the risk of skin cancer. Why, then, do we continue? Dr Ravi Gill, a practitioner psychologist at Smart Mind Health, says that beauty ideals such as ' tanned equals attractive ' can override our instinct for self-protection: 'This is due to powerful social and psychological influences,' says Dr Gill. Adding, 'From a young age, we're exposed to messages — through media, peers and culture — that link tanned skin with attractiveness, status and health. Over time, these ideas are internalised and tied to our self-worth and identity.' Lisa, 32, can certainly relate. She used a sunbed for the first time at just 17 years old after a friend said it would 'look good' to have tanned skin. 'I was curious, so I decided to give it a try,' she tells me, adding that body insecurities are a reason she still uses them: 'When I'm tanned, the spider veins and cellulite on my legs, which you don't see much of on social media, are less visible,' she says. 'That makes me feel more confident. I get compliments as well, which is motivation to continue.' Interestingly, tanning isn't the only example of how we're trading safety for self-esteem. This notion can also be applied to many of our aesthetic practices, like unregulated Botox and BBLs, which have a notoriously high mortality rate in comparison to other cosmetic procedures. Shedding light on this, Dr Gill explains that humans crave social acceptance and fear rejection, choosing to conform to beauty norms — even when they involve risks: 'The desire for social belonging and approval often feels more immediate and emotionally powerful than long-term health concerns,' she says. ' While I think tanning makes me look better in many ways, I feel particularly conflicted about the damage it's doing thanks to my medical history: I've always had a few questionable moles. The fact that I use sunbeds is something I'm quite embarrassed about. ' Concerningly, Lisa tells me that she fears skin ageing more than skin cancer: 'Ironically, I've curated a social media feed full of skinfluencers teaching me how to look after my skin, and I've honed a [multi-step] skincare routine. Yet I continue to do the one thing that will damage my skin the most — something which no amount of serum or SPF can save me from.' Lisa's honesty, or as she puts it, 'silliness', might seem extreme to some, but it reveals a deeper truth: decades of messaging have taught us that our value lies in our appearance. Thanks to the popularity of Ozempic alongside the return of thinness on red carpets and For You Pages (which notably prompted the 'skinnytok' hashtag ban), being slim is back on a pedestal — and tanning plays a role here. I've often found myself commenting on how much 'slimmer' I look with a tan, and who can blame me? Shows like Love Island have helped solidify the idea that bronzed skin doesn't just look 'better' but also leaner and more sculpted — like contouring for your whole body. Is tanning bad for you? While I think tanning makes me look better in many ways, I feel particularly conflicted about the damage it's doing thanks to my medical history. I've always had a few questionable moles. Some are asymmetric, others have jagged borders and a range of colours. On holiday, when my skin is exposed in a bikini, friends and family have commented on it and encouraged me to get checked out. After spending time living in Australia, where UV levels are very high, I decided to follow through on this. I wasn't a sunbed user at the time of my first (or second) mole check, but doctors did flag that the Sydney sunshine could have put my skin at risk. After an examination of my moles, I was advised to keep an eye on them and return if I saw any 'noticeable changes'. In the years since those checks, I've observed a handful of changes to some of my moles. But as someone with health anxiety, I never know if I'm being paranoid or if I really should go back to the doctor. Consequently, I'm in limbo — I don't want to waste NHS time if the changes I've seen aren't 'noticeable' enough, but I also don't want to ignore the issue and end up in a potentially life-threatening situation. Taking all of this into consideration, the fact that I use sunbeds probably sounds absurd. Honestly, it's something I'm quite embarrassed about. Why do we use sunbeds despite the risks? Dr Gill explains that this is a case of cognitive dissonance, when a person feels psychological discomfort because their actions contradict their beliefs. 'In beauty culture, this dissonance is common,' she says, pointing again societal pressures. 'For example, someone may understand the risks of sunbed use or crash dieting but still engage in these behaviours to align with societal beauty ideals.' Dr Gill goes on to explain that we try to resolve this internal discomfort by rationalising our behaviours rather than changing them. Telling ourselves, 'It's just for summer' or 'Everyone else is doing it' is an easy way to avoid feelings of guilt. Critics, however, often think that sunbed users should feel guilty for this choice. But here's the thing: 'Shaming people for using sunbeds often backfires, making them more likely to continue the behaviour,' says Dr Gill. She adds, 'Research shows that self-criticism reduces motivation for change, while compassionate, non-judgmental support is more effective in encouraging healthier choices.' But can anyone truly say they've always put their health above all else? Like sunbeds, alcohol, processed meat and tobacco, for example, are classed as type one carcinogens — substances that can cause cancer. I'm keen to know whether those who frown on my habit often indulge in a fast food burger or unwind with a bottle of wine. ' We are watching the number of skin cancers scale out of control in our clinics. Dr Kiely ' Is tanning addictive? That's before we bring class into the equation. Research that shows those from lower socio-economic backgrounds are more likely to use sunbeds. Although further investigation is needed to explore why that is, a 2022 study concluded that sunbed use has been historically framed through the media as a 'working-class activity'. Of course, it's not just about class, appearances or a taste for Sauvignon Blanc; the addictiveness of carcinogens plays a role: 'Tanning is addictive and there's actually a biological explanation,' says Dr Clare Kiely, a consultant dermatologist and cofounder of The Skin Diary. She explains that when the body is exposed to UV radiation, it triggers a process that results in the release of endorphins, hormones that create a sense of 'euphoria'. For many, the glow isn't just about looking good — it's about feeling good, too: 'I'm normally in a better mood after a sunbed,' confirms Ella, who agrees this 'mood-boosting' effect is a big factor in why people feel addicted to sunbeds. Lisa echoes this, telling me she enjoys the light and 'me-time' of being on a sunbed: 'It's like dreaming myself away to a beach.' Given how addictive sunbeds are, the responsibility to prevent their damage shouldn't rest solely on users. Many experts argue that stricter regulation is the only way forward, especially as research shows we continue to tan in spite of the evidence before us. 'I don't believe the current regulations are adequate,' says Dr Rakesh Anand, a consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson. He notes that while there are restrictions on under-18s and some standards for equipment and usage, there's still a 'significant' public health risk. 'Given the well-established link between sunbed use and skin cancer, stronger measures are urgently needed,' he adds. As for what that might look like, various skin cancer charities have called for sunbeds to have graphic warning signs similar to those found on cigarette packets, while a June 2025 study exposed ' potential gaps in current regulations ' when it comes to tanning salons marketing on social media. Whether on a sunbed in South London or a beach lounger in Spain, dermatologists are firm in their answer that there's no such thing as a safe tan — 'Unless it's self-tanner from a bottle,' says Dr Kiely. She agrees with Dr Anand that the only way to 'eliminate' risk is to ban sunbeds, as they are in countries such as Australia and Brazil: 'I'm coming at it as a person who has spent her career cutting out thousands of skin cancers, some of them life-threatening,' Dr Kiely adds. 'We are watching the number of skin cancers scale out of control in our clinics. We must take measures now to protect future generations.' Despite being reminded by every expert of the very real dangers before me, in the time I've been writing this article, I've clocked up another 44 minutes on the sunbeds — although I have reduced the frequency of my visits. I want to stop altogether and pick up my once-beloved self-tanners that are currently collecting dust, but I'm trying to feel less guilt and shame about this habit, as I've unpicked how years of societal pressure led me to this point. Ultimately, that's what needs to change. From Botox to fillers and beyond, we've all been sold on the 'ideal' appearance, which can differ depending on what we've been conditioned into thinking. The recent ban on disposable vapes proves that if people want to do something, they'll find a way, so we all have to do our part in breaking the cycle when it comes to tanning. Mine is writing this article and being vulnerable about a paradox many of us feel but rarely discuss: the desire to protect our skin while craving the glow of a tan. It would also help to see celebrities and influencers embracing their natural skin tones, and for brands to do the same with the models in their campaigns. Whether it's a school session or a poster in a tanning salon, better education could also go a long way — not just about the dangers of sunbeds, which clearly isn't always enough, but about how to resist outside pressure. In learning how to accept ourselves as we are, we might just find the glow hits differently when it comes from within.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'I used sunbeds from the age of 14 - now I'm 45 with incurable cancer'
A Co Down mum is highlighting the risks associated with sunbed use, after learning she had incurable cancer at the age of 45. Allison Coates, from Bangor, went to the doctor in 2017 with a mole on her back which had become itchy. She had a biopsy which found that she had melanoma. A couple of years later, Allison found a lump under her arm and it was discovered that the melanoma had returned and spread. And in another devastating blow, last Christmas she was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in her breast and has been told the cancer is incurable. READ MORE: Sun Awareness Week: The most common signs of skin cancer you need to watch out for READ MORE: Co Down woman's shock skin cancer diagnosis as experts issue 'mini heatwave' sunburn warning Speaking to Belfast Live, Allison said: "I started using sunbeds when I was around 14. Everyone seemed to be doing it. I used to go to a salon in Belfast every week in the summer and I even hired a sunbed to use in my house when I was 18. You got a base tan coming into the summer, and you thought you were thinking to get a tan before going on holidays, or before our sun arrived. "Any change to your skin colour is damage to your skin. I know that now. And it doesn't matter the skin type, swarthy, or pale, and change is damage. I stopped using them in my 20s and started using fake tan instead but I think the damage was already done. "I started to use fake tan, and became more aware of using suncream, but I actually thought by just putting on factor 15, I was OK. "Back in 2017, I was scratching my back, it was very itchy, and my husband took a look and said I should go to the doctor, which I did. My doctor was very good, and I was given a red flag referral. I had it cut out and it was found to be melanoma, but very early stages. "Then I had to go back and have a wider incision, and they felt at that stage that there was no further treatment needed because it was a millimetre out of what they'd normally start to treat. In 2019, I had a lump underneath my arm and it was found that melanoma had spread to my lymph. "I had an operation in October of last year, in the lead up to Christmas, and they weren't able to complete the surgery because the tumour is beside a very important artery. After that, there was a lot of swelling, and it was first thought that I had a seroma in my breast and it never really died down. "At Christmas time, I had it looked at and it had metastasised into my breast. I already had stage 4 metastatic melanoma, and it is treatment but not curable at the minute." New data released today by the charity Melanoma Focus has shown that 24% of people in Northern Ireland are using sunbeds at least once per year and 20% at least once per month. Allison has decided to share her journey, to raise awareness and to highlight the dangers associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. "My advice to anyone using sunbeds, is to protect your body," Allison added. "You only have one body, and it is very precious. The skin is the biggest organ in your body, and the one you really need to look after. You need to be protecting yourself. My mummy had said to me 'Allison, I don't think you should be doing sunbeds', and I didn't listen to her, I thought I knew better." The national survey commissioned by Melanoma Focus revealed an alarming trend of sunbed use among young people across the UK. Despite the 2011 law banning sunbeds for under 18s, the charity's research has found that 34% of young people aged 16 to 17 are using them at least once per year and 23% at least once per month, putting themselves at serious risk of skin cancers including melanoma. In addition to sunbed use, the rise in popularity of tanning nasal sprays and injections has added another layer of concern. These artificial substances include melanotan-II to stimulate the pigment cells in the skin to produce more melanin, making skin look darker. The health risks associated with these tanning methods are increasingly coming to light and no forms of melanotan-II have been approved for human use in the UK. The Melanoma Focus survey found that 16% of NI adults (and 21% of UK 16-17 year olds) say they have used nasal sprays or injections intended to intensify their tan. For more information about sunbeds and melanoma prevention visit Melanoma Focus. For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our Be lifestyle newsletter for all the latest showbiz, fashion, beauty, family features and more.
