Now with summer finally here our jumpers are coming off and our thoughts are turning to our pale, deprived winter skin.Whether you are devoted to sunbeds or use them for the occasional one-off session before your holiday, using one will increases your risk of skin cancer by more than you might realise. There is a common misconception about sunbeds in the UK. Many people think they offer a controlled way to get a safe, healthy tan when used in moderation – but actually you are damaging your skin every time you use a sunbed. You don’t need to be on them every week to see the effects, even once or twice will put you at risk of skin cancer and premature ageing.
Dr. Vinod Elangasinghe, Consultant Dermatologist at BMI The Thornbury Hospital in Sheffield offers guidance, advice and 5 top tips on sunbed use and how to stay safe in the sunshine this summer.
What are the risks of using a sunbed?
“There is a large body of evidence to suggest that using sunbeds increases your risk of skin cancer. According to research that collected evidence from 27 studies, sunbed users have a 20% increased risk of melanoma – one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer. Using sunbeds when you are young can be particularly damaging so young adults need to take into consideration that the choice to go on a sunbed will have long term effects.
“If you use a sunbed for the first time when you are under 35 your risk of melanoma increases by almost 60% compared to people who have never used sunbeds. The more you use sunbeds, the higher the risk – the chance of melanoma increases by 1.8% for each additional session.
Dr. Vinod Elagasinghe offers 5 top tips on how to stay safe in the sun this summer:
1. Apply sunscreen: Use your sunscreen liberally and at regular intervals, making sure to cover all areas of exposed skin, including the back of the neck, top of the ears and the scalp. Get help from someone else for the hard-to-reach areas like your back and shoulders. A sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) and UVA rating will help prevent the skin from burning and the damage that can cause skin cancer.
2. Wear more clothes: This may seem like an odd tip to advise during the summer, but wearing a hat, sunglasses, and putting on a t-shirt or kaftan to cover your shoulders and chest on the beach will give you more protection from the sun, without making you too hot.
3. Sit in the shade: Where possible enjoy the sun in the shade rather than sitting or walking directly in it. Take a large parasol to the beach and sit underneath this, especially at times when the sun is highest in the sky, so between 11am till 3pm.
4. Home & Away: Remember that the sun does come out in the UK as well; take sunscreen to work with you and apply before sitting outside on your lunch break.
5. Monitor your moles: If you have any moles then make sure to monitor them and report any changes in colour, size, shape, or if it becomes raised off the skin or sensitive to touch, to your GP.
