What is a solarium, and what does it do for you?
How does a sunbed work, what does it give you and what are the risks? A plain guide to read before you start tanning.
A solarium is a device fitted with ultraviolet (UV) lamps that lets you tan in sessions of controlled length. Some are lie-down beds, others are stand-up booths. People use them in the months when they cannot get outside, or before a holiday.
How does a sunbed work?
Sunbed lamps give off two kinds of UV light:
- UVA reaches the deeper layers of the skin and quickly darkens the pigment that is already there. Most of the colour you see right after a session comes from UVA.
- UVB prompts the skin to make new melanin. This colour develops over a few days and lasts longer.
Melanin is the skin’s way of trying to protect itself from UV. Newer machines have separate lamps for the face and shoulders, plus cooling air and mist during the session.
What does it give you?
The proven benefit of a solarium is cosmetic:
- A tan all year round, whatever the weather.
- Short sessions timed for your skin type instead of hours on the beach.
- More even colour on the face, shoulders and legs on beds with zoned lamps.
Many people say they feel rested after a session. That is a personal experience. Our older blog post claimed that sunbeds help with osteoporosis and reduce the risk of colds; those claims lack solid scientific support, so we removed them.
What are the risks?
The UV in a sunbed is the same kind of UV found in sunlight. Since 2009 the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, has classified UV-emitting tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1). Too much UV can cause sunburn, premature skin ageing and, over the long term, a higher risk of skin cancer. UV also affects the eyes.
You reduce these risks by limiting the light:
- Time each session for your skin type; start short if you are fair-skinned.
- Wait at least 48 hours between sessions.
- Wear UV goggles throughout the session.
- If your skin turns red, burns or itches, postpone your next session.
Who should not use a sunbed?
People under 18, pregnant women, very fair people who burn without tanning (skin type 1) and anyone taking medication that makes the skin sensitive to light. If you notice changes in your moles, have a family history of skin cancer or have a skin condition, talk to your dermatologist first.
For the full list, read Before your first tanning session. You can choose the session time and device with our team on your first visit.
This post is for general information and is not medical advice.
