The dermatologist warned that such a regimen ‘will cause damage to the skin over time’ – here’s what you should know
Dr Emma Wedgeworth urged Brits to be cautious of one beauty trend amidst a key Good Morning Britain (GMB) segment today. The dermatologist warned that such a regimen ‘will cause damage to the skin over time’, leading to a potentially heightened risk of skin cancer.
“I think there is a link between any form of excessive sun exposure and skin cancer,” she told presenter Rob Rinder, who asked about the possible link between tanning beds and cancer. She then continued: “And that’s something that we see all the time.
“Not everybody is going to get skin cancer, but there will be some people who are more predisposed…So if you’ve got a family history, if you’ve got light skin, you are much more likely to get it.”
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Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is recognised as the leading cause of melanoma skin cancer. This radiation is not only emitted by the sun but is also frequently used in tanning beds.
In addition to possessing lighter skin and having a family history, the NHS states that several other personal factors may increase your risk of skin cancer, particularly when combined with the use of sunbeds.
This can include the following:
- Having red or blonde hair
- Having blue or green eyes
- Having a large number of freckles or moles
- Have been frequently sunburned in the past
- You had skin cancer before
With this in mind, Dr Wedgeworth warned against any use of sunbeds at all and urged Brits to care for their skin while spending time in the sun. “I would just say don’t do [tanning beds],” she said.
“We do know that it will cause damage to the skin over time. We don’t want everyone to stay inside constantly, go out in the summer when we ever get some form of sun.
“Go and enjoy yourself, but just be careful because your skin has to last you a long time, and we really don’t want to cause it damage.” Despite her advice, the Sunbed Association also told GMB viewers to be aware that modern professional tanning salons follow strict safety controls and practices are tightly regulated.
Therefore, if you still want to use a tanning bed despite these risks, it is best to examine the specific salon’s procedures first and inquire about its control systems.
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Potential symptoms of melanoma skin cancer
According to the NHS, you should look out for the following:
- New moles or changes in existing moles – especially in areas often exposed to the sun
- Moles with uneven borders or shapes
- Moles with a mix of colours
- Larger moles – more than 6mm wide
- Swollen, bleeding or crusty moles
- Itchy moles
Advice from the health service adds: “Melanomas can appear anywhere on your body, but they’re more common in areas that are often exposed to the sun. Some rarer types can affect the eyes, soles of the feet, palms of the hands or genitals.
“Check your skin for any unusual changes. Use a mirror or ask a partner or friend to check any areas you cannot see.”