Topic: Artificial Tanning - Solaria
Description
Solariums and sunbeds are not a safe way to tan. There is growing evidence that this form of artificial tanning, which uses high doses of ultraviolet radiation (UVR), damages the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.
Solariums and sunbeds emit UVR, which is made up of both UVA and UVB rays. They are responsible for wrinkling and ageing skin, and causing sunburn and skin cancer. The UVR dose accumulated while obtaining a tan in a solarium has been shown to increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Individuals with skin that burns easily and is slow to tan are most at risk of developing skin cancer.
Any tan obtained by using a solarium or sunbed will not adequately protect the skin from the harmful effects of further UVR, either from solarium, sunbeds or natural sunlight.
Do's
- Be proud of your natural skin colour. Taking care of your skin now will help prevent premature ageing and reduce you risk of skin cancer.
- Try using a fake tan to get the tanned look!
- If you do visit a solarium, ask if they are aware of the Australian Solarium Standard. They should give you a consent form on your first visit and provide you with goggles to wear during the tanning session.
Don'ts
- Don’t use a solarium or sunbed if you are under the age of 18 years.
- Never tan your face.
- Never use sun oils when using a solarium or sunbed.
Practical Advice
Australia has a voluntary Australian Solarium Standard AS2635-2002 that provides guidelines for installing, maintaining and operating commercial solariums. It recommends that solarium operators provide a consent form for all clients to read and sign at their first solarium session. This form has details about the risks associated with deliberate exposure to UVR.
As the Australian Solarium Standard is a voluntary code of practice, it means there is no law that ensures that solarium operators provide consent forms or information regarding the health risks of using solariums. There is also no law which states operators must turn people away if their skin is inappropriate for tanning. However, they would be breaching the Australian Solarium Standard if they allow fair skinned people to use their services.
Due to the lack of regulation, anyone can own and operate a solarium. There is no requirement for solarium equipment to be serviced or for staff operating equipment to be trained. If you use a solarium, you have no way of knowing whether the equipment is reliable or if the operator is professionally trained.
Other Resources
- Visit Queensland Health’s Sun safety website
- Visit The Cancer Council Queensland website to download the ‘Are solariums a safe place
to tan?’ brochure - View the Australian Standards AS/NZS 2635:2002 ‘Solaria for Cosmetic Purposes’
Related Content
Skin cancer
Ultraviolet radiation
Fake tanning
Sunglasses
Last updated: 12th March, 2008
Review Date: 30th April, 2008
