The Truth About Tanning – 10 Sunbed Myths Debunked

Beginning this week, the Irish sunbed industry will be subject to a series of new regulations including a ban on loyalty cards and 'happy hour' promotions, and a legal requirement to make customers aware of the health risks of sunbeds before use.  A complete list of the new regulations can be found here. As part of its new #sunbeds2015 campaign, the Irish Cancer Society has debunked ten myths when it comes to sunbed use and tanning. These are definitely worth checking out: Health Myths: I have used sunbeds for years. The damage is done! Your skin may well be damaged from sunbed use but don’t make it worse by continuing to use them. A much better plan is to stop using sunbeds and start checking your skin every month for changes that could be skin cancer. Spotting melanoma early could save your life. Talk to your doctor if you are worried. Sunbeds are great to clear acne Don’t use a sunbed to help clear acne. You could get more than you bargained for! Sunbed use is strongly linked to melanoma skin cancer. A better way to deal with acne is to talk to your doctor about it. It’s a healthy way to top up my vitamin D Vitamin D is important for our general health. Our body makes it when skin is exposed to UV rays. You can also get vitamin D from your diet and by taking supplements. While sunbeds may help raise your vitamin D levels, they are also linked to an increased risk of melanoma. For this reason The Irish Cancer Society advises not to use sunbeds to help boost your vitamin D level. Choose a healthier option. If I don’t burn I am safe using a sunbed Even if your skin does not burn after using a sunbed your risk of melanoma is greater. Don’t risk it. Safe Tanning Myths Sunbed tanning is safer than sun tanning Getting a tan from a sunbed is not safer than getting a tan from being outdoors, even if done gradually. The level of UV exposure from sunbeds can be up to 15 times higher than the midday Mediterranean sun. Because of this your risk of melanoma skin cancer is greater. Getting a base tan from sunbeds before going on holidays is a smart thing to do Sunbed tans give very little protection against further skin damage from natural UV exposure. It is equal to sunscreen with SPF 2-4, and won’t keep you safe. Using anything less than SPF 15 for an adult and SPF 30 for a child will not give you the protection you need. All sunburns are not the same Many people believe that your skin is sunburnt when it is very red, sore and blistered. The truth is if your skin goes pink from sunbeds or the sun it is sunburnt. As a result your risk of skin cancer is greater. Beauty Myths Tanned skin is a sign that I am healthy Tanned skin is damaged skin trying to protect itself from further UV damage. Whether you tan from a sunbed or the sun, your risk of skin cancer and skin ageing is increased. Sunbeds keep me looking young and healthy Sunbeds cause skin to wrinkle, sag and generally lose its elasticity. These skin changes are mostly not reversible, except by surgery. Sunbeds don’t affect young skin – it’s an issue for old folk! Using a sunbed for the first time before the age of 35 increases your risk of developing melanoma by almost sixty percent. Sunbeds also cause skin ageing. Use them and your skin will more than likely sag and get wrinkles earlier than your friends who choose not to. For more information head on over to www.cancer.ie or http://health.gov.ie/healthy-ireland/sunbeds/