What is a solarium?

A solarium, or tanning bed, is a device that emits ultraviolet radiation (typically 95% UVA light and 5% UVB, +/-3%) to produce a cosmetic tan. Standard tanning beds use several fluorescent lamps containing phosphor blends designed to emit UV in a spectrum similar to that of the sun.

Solariums use ultraviolet (UV) radiation to help their users develop a tan. The levels emitted can be up to three times as strong as the midday sun.

A tan is not healthy. It indicates that the skin has UV radiation damage. A sunburn or tan is a sign of skin cells in trauma.

Any UV radiation exposure that causes your skin to tan increases your risk of skin cancer risk – even without burning the skin.

There’s no such thing as a safe tan. Research shows that people who use a solarium before the age of 30 have a 75% greater risk of developing melanoma than those who don’t use solariums.

Click here to watch a YouTube video about Clare Oliver who was affected by skin cancer: