The sunbed industry's claim that a tan provides protection against sunburn is a dangerous myth, according to a recent investigation by Full Fact. This false assertion has been widely debunked by health organizations and medical experts, yet the Sunbed Association continues to spread it. The association's website, sunbedassociation.org.uk, promotes the idea that tanned skin is a safeguard against sunburn, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
Cancer Research UK and the British Association of Dermatologists have issued strong warnings about the dangers of tanning. Sophie Brooks, a health information manager at Cancer Research UK, emphasizes that "there’s no such thing as safe tanning from UV radiation." She further clarifies that "a tan is a sign of skin damage and offers very little protection against the sun."
The British Association of Dermatologists echoes this sentiment, stating, "There is no safe way to get a tan. Whether from the sun or a sunbed, a tan is a visible sign that your skin has been damaged by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which increases your risk of skin cancer."
The NHS, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, European Commission, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all agree on the risks associated with tanning. The European Commission even advises, "The only safe way to use [sunbeds] is not to use them at all."
Full Fact's investigation revealed that the Sunbed Association's website contains incorrect health advice on tanning. When challenged, the association provided evidence that a controlled tan slightly increases the skin's protection against further UV damage. However, this evidence was dismissed as unreliable by statistics expert Kevin McConway, who advised Full Fact. The association's stance remains unchanged despite similar evidence being submitted to an EU consultation on sunbed safety.
Melanoma skin cancer is a significant public health concern in the UK, with 19,400 new diagnoses and 2,600 deaths annually. The myth that tanned skin offers protection against sunburn not only misleads the public but also contributes to the growing burden of skin cancer cases.
In my opinion, the Sunbed Association's persistence in promoting this false claim is deeply concerning. It highlights a need for stricter regulation and oversight of the sunbed industry to ensure that accurate and safe information is disseminated to the public. As an expert commentator, I urge the industry to reconsider its stance and prioritize public health over profit.
