• Question: Do you think under 16s should be alowed to use sunbeds?

    Asked by 07biggsn to Keith, Hywel, Emma, Alastair on 16 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Emma Carter

      Emma Carter answered on 16 Jun 2010:

      As far as I know, young people have a much higher risk of skin cancer from UV exposure so using sunbeds or sunbathing without sunscreen for long periods (not that that’s really a problem in this country) is a really bad idea. I think this is because the younger you are, the faster cancers tend to grow. Also, if you use sunbeds or sunbath a lot when you’re young, you get wrinkles a lot earlier – personally I’d rather be pale and smooth than tanned and wrinkly – lol!

    • Photo: Keith Brain

      Keith Brain answered on 16 Jun 2010:

      Nope. As you might be able tell from my rather pallid complexion (shiny forehead too!) I’m not a great fan of them. In case you think I’m being ageist, I’m not in favor of them for the over 16s either. The two main reasons are:
      – Cancer – an increased skin cancer risk in later life
      – Premature skin ageing – have you ever tried comparing the skin complexions of a 70 year Caucasian Australian woman and a similar 70 year old English woman (strange question, I know!)? I have, because training in medicine in Australia involved meeting many such people, and one of the things we were taught to think about was a “physiological” age (based on general appearance) and compare it to a persons actual age. When I came to the UK, I consistently underestimated woman’s ages. While that might sound like a good idea (people like to be flattered), it wasn’t very good professionally, and it does illustrate the fact that ultraviolet light exposure (as with a sunbed, as with sun) damages skin.

      So, I’m a no for the sunbed – the short term, questionable aesthetic gain is not worth the cancer and premature ageing.

    • Photo: Alastair Sloan

      Alastair Sloan answered on 16 Jun 2010:

      No I don’t. The skin is a very delicate organ you need it all your life. Damaging it when you are young may not only increase your risk of skin cancer, but you can also look alot older than you are – which is not good as aged skin looks wrinkly and pitted.

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