A solarium is any tanning unit that uses ultraviolet (UV) radiation to tan the skin. Solariums are also known as sunbeds, sunlamps or tanning beds, and they can emit UV levels several times stronger than the midday sun.
As well as causing long-term harm, they can damage the eyes and cause immediate skin reactions such as irritation, redness and swelling. A solarium tan does not protect your skin from the sun: even with a solarium tan, your skin can still be damaged by the sun’s natural UV radiation.
What is a collarium?#
A collarium, or collagen bed, is similar to a solarium and may be promoted as red light therapy. Instead of the usual blue lights of a solarium, a collarium uses lamps emitting red light wavelengths (pink and red light) alongside UVA and UVB radiation.
These devices are claimed to stimulate collagen while providing a tan. In reality, the UVA radiation a collarium produces does not stimulate collagen or elastin. It breaks them down, which can speed up skin ageing and contribute to skin cancer. The UVB radiation can cause sunburn, cataracts and skin cancer. A collarium does not provide a safe tan.
Why a tan is not a sign of health#
Skin cells in the top layer of skin (the epidermis) make a pigment called melanin, which gives skin its natural colour. When skin is exposed to UV radiation, it produces more melanin, and the skin darkens and tans.
If your skin starts to change colour, that is a clear sign your body is trying to protect itself from UV radiation. A tan is a sign that the skin has been damaged, not a sign of good health.
Tanning without burning can still cause skin damage, premature skin ageing and skin cancer, and UV radiation can cause permanent DNA damage. A tan offers only the equivalent of about an SPF (sun protection factor) of 3, far below the recommended SPF 50+, so UV damage still happens.
Each time you expose your skin to UV radiation, you increase your risk of developing skin cancer. People of all skin types are at risk of skin damage, premature ageing and skin cancer.
How solariums affect your skin cancer risk#
There is no such thing as a safe tan from a solarium or collarium. These devices offer no protection against DNA damage to skin cells, which can occur without any visible signs of damage.
Research shows that using a solarium increases the risk of skin cancer and causes premature ageing of the skin:
- People who use a solarium have about a 20% greater risk of melanoma than those who do not.
- This rises to about a 59% greater risk for people who started using a solarium before the age of 35.
- The risk of melanoma increases with more frequent use.
- Solarium use also raises the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by about 67% and basal cell carcinoma by about 29%, compared with people who have never used one.
If you have used a solarium or collarium in the past, your risk of skin cancer is higher. Get to know your skin and see a doctor as soon as possible if you notice any new or unusual spots, or changes to an existing spot. You may also want to talk to your doctor about a skin surveillance plan.
Protecting yourself#
For the best protection from UV radiation, combine a hat, protective clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses and shade.
Key points#
- Solariums can cause eye damage and immediate skin damage, such as irritation, redness and swelling.
- The UVB radiation emitted can cause sunburn, cataracts and skin cancer.
- Exposure to UV radiation causes the skin to darken and tan.
- Tanning without burning can still cause skin damage, premature skin ageing and skin cancer.
- UV radiation can cause permanent DNA damage.
Where to get help#
Sources & further reading
For evidence-based global guidance on this topic, consult authoritative public-health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, NHS, and ECDC.