More and more young women are still using sunbeds despite their dangers being widely reported in the media. With a proven increased risk of skin cancer and the leading cause behind telltale signs of ageing such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles, is using a sunbed to obtain a ‘healthy looking' tan really worth it? We talk to Kate Grant, a specialist nurse at The Mole Clinic in London who sees the damages caused by sunbeds and sunbathing every day, to get a real insight into the dangers of using a sunbed.

What are sunbeds?
Sunbeds are sources of UV radiation that give out the same type of harmful UV radiation as the sun, and are used to produce a tan.

Why are they dangerous to use? Is it true they can give you skin cancer?
Recent research suggests that using sunbeds regularly can increase the risk of skin cancer by up to 75%, especially if you use it under the age of 30. A quarter of clients who come to us to have their moles screened for skin cancer use sunbeds and, of that figure, 64% have skin type one or two, which means that they have difficulty tanning and are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.

It's all about body image and the fact that so many people still don't know the damage they are doing by striving for the 'perfect tan'. People feel healthier when they have a tan because they think they look healthier. But look at stars like Scarlett Johansson and Nicole Kidman - white skin can be gorgeous too. There is no such thing as a healthy tan because when our skin begins to turn brown it's our body's way of protecting itself from harmful UV rays. Damage is being done on a cellular level, which puts us at risk from melanoma.

Some sunbeds have different strengths, is there a safe strength that I can use?
There is no such thing as a safe strength because any tan is damaging to your skin and will increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. Burning from sunbeds is particularly harmful and can lead to melanoma, the worst form of skin cancer.

Sunbeds really help to clear up blemishes on my face, back and chest so I usually go on about once a month, is this causing any damage to my skin?
Sunbeds have been proven to help acne and spots and other dermatological ailments. Using them for these reasons still puts you at greater risk of skin cancer.

Are sunbeds the same as sunbathing on holiday?
Yes, sunbeds are the same as tanning on holiday because both damage the DNA in your skin, which causes cancer, so both are equally as dangerous. Skin cancer is caused by damage you have done to your skin over the years, so a melanoma can develop at any time whether you are in the sun or not. People often only think about the risk of skin cancer when the sun is out or when they are on holiday. However, when your body is covered up in the winter months you'll be less likely to spot a mole that's unusual so it's important to be aware of the dangers of the sun all year round.

I usually get a spattering of freckles after I have been on the sunbed. Are freckles safe and what is the difference between freckles and moles?
Anything that can produce pigment in your skin, such as freckles, is at risk of melanoma. Moles are more at risk than freckles because they have more active melanocytes.

Why should you check your moles?
You should check your moles because noticing any signs of change such as size, shape and colour can help diagnose melanomas earlier, which improves prognosis. Melanomas have more chance to spread the longer they are left.

Are changes in moles an indication of skin cancer?
A change of size, shape and colour in moles may indicate skin cancer. Moles do change over years, but not months.

Can using sunbeds damage your skin and make moles more dangerous?
Using sunbeds damages your skin's appearance in the long run. The damages are not immediate but your skin will appear more aged further down the line. Recent research also suggests that sunbeds cause DNA damage in your skin, which eventually leads to skin cancer. Using sunbeds or getting a burn when you are younger puts you at even greater risk later in life.

How often should you have your moles checked?
It is recommended you self check your moles every three months and get a Molecheck once a year. If you are fair-skinned, have a history of a blistering sunburn or have many moles, you should be getting checked once to twice a year.

Kate Grant is a nurse specialist at The Mole Clinic in London. To get your moles checked out or for further information on the dangers of sunbed use visit www.themoleclinic.co.uk

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