Sunbeds: safety advice
Updated 20 February 2023
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Under the Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 for England and Wales, it is an offence to allow people aged 17 years and under to use sunbeds in commercial premises including beauty salons, leisure centres, gyms and hotels.
These restrictions also apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland under the Public Health etc. (Scotland) Act 2008 (Sunbed) and Sunbeds Act (Northern Ireland) 2011.
Sunbeds emit ultraviolet radiation, which can cause tanning and sunburn. There is no evidence to suggest any type of sunbed is less harmful than natural sun exposure. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and World Health Organization (WHO) discourages the use of sunbeds for cosmetic tanning.
If you are aged 18 years and over and wish to use a sunbed, ask for a guidance on the use and limit your use of the sunbed – don’t have repeated sessions to build up a quick tan before a summer holiday. If you have very fair skin, burn easily in the sun or have had skin cancer, don’t use a sunbed.