Artificial tanning

Many people don’t know that sunbeds release ultraviolet radiation (UVR), just like the sun. UVR damages skin cells and can lead to skin cancer.

In fact, UVR from sunbeds can be up to three times stronger than UVR from the summer midday sun. Sunbeds can be just as cancer causing as asbestos and cigarettes. There are laws to protect Queenslanders:

• It’s illegal for solariums to let people under 18 tan on a sunbed.
• Solarium owners/operators must be licensed. So if you use a solarium, ask to see a licence.
• It’s illegal for fair-skinned people who can’t tan and always burn to use a solarium.
• For people who do tan, sunbed exposure must be controlled because it still isn’t safe.
• Solarium clients must sign a consent form before using a sunbed. 

If being tanned is important to you, your safest option is a fake tan.

But remember, there is no SPF (sun protection factor) in fake tanning lotions and spray tans.

You still need to protect yourself in five ways when you are outdoors.