Tanning Safety

As with exposure to natural sunlight, too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning equipment can damage your skin and sometimes your general health.
Short-term damaging effects

The short-term damaging effects of excessive exposure to UV radiation include:

* sunburnt skin, which becomes painful, red and may blister and peel;
* skin dryness and itching;
* bumpy itchy rash;
* eye irritation or conjunctivitis, (if suitable goggles are not worn).

Long-term health risks

There may also be long-term health effects including:

* premature ageing of the skin which will then look coarse, leathery and wrinkled;
* skin cancer - the more exposures, the greater the risks;
* increased risk of cataracts (clouding of the lens of the eye) later in life, (if suitable goggles are not worn).

Precautions

Don't use cosmetic tanning equipment if your skin is particularly sensitive.

Some people are more prone to skin damage caused by UV radiation than others. You are advised not to use cosmetic tanning equipment if:

* you are under 16;
* you have fair sensitive skin that burns easily or tans slowly or poorly;
* you have a history of sunburn, especially in childhood;
* you have a large number of freckles and/or red hair;
* you have a large number of moles;
* you are taking medicines or using creams which may sensitise the skin to sunlight;
* you have a medical condition that is worsened by sunlight;
* you or anyone in your family have had a skin cancer in the past.
* If you have any doubts, ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use tanning equipment.
* Don't use cosmetics before tanning. Some cosmetics, deodorants and similar preparations for use on the skin can increase sensitivity to UV radiation. It is best not to use them immediately before a tanning session and to wash off any that are on the skin, before using the equipment.