IMPORTANT WARNING:
THERE ARE RISKS FROM USING UV TANNING EQUIPMENT

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 18;

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.

Tan gently

As a general guide it is best not to exceed 20 sessions per year; make a note of your number of sessions so you will not forget.

If using a commercial salon, tell the staff about your normal skin reaction to sunlight, bearing in mind that you may be exposing parts of your body not normally exposed to the sun.

The operator of the equipment should then advise you on how long to use it; don't exceed this time.

Don't try to get a quick tan by;

exceeding the recommended times;

 having too many tanning sessions;

 having more than one session a day;

 sunbathing on the same day.

Seek advice about any problems

If you notice any abnormal skin reactions developing during the tanning session, stop the exposure at once and do not use tanning equipment again before consulting a doctor.

If you develop any abnormal skin reaction after a tanning session, do not use such equipment again before consulting a doctor. Seek medical advice if you notice any change in the appearance of a mole.

Protect your eyes

Make sure you use the goggles or other eye protection provided, before using the equipment; these should be worn all the time the equipment is switched on;

if no eye protection is used, do not use the equipment. Understand the equipment

Make sure you know how to:use the equipment properly; AND switch it off in an emergency. call for help in an emergency.

Don't rely on your tan for protection

The tan obtained from cosmetic tanning equipment can give some mild protection from burning when you go into the sun, but it never gives complete protection. Nor does it provide

much protection against the long-term health risks mentioned earlier. You should still follow sensible advice on safety in the sun such as that published by the Health Education Authority

and cancer charities (eg Cancer Research Campaign, Imperial Cancer Research Fund).

Know your skin

No matter whether you get your tan from the sun or tanning equipment, you should learn to recognise the early warning signs of serious damage. Most skin cancers are completely

curable if detected in the early stages. Look for progressively changing moles or other skin discolorations. If you have any doubts, consult your doctor. Don't delay.

Useful information

Other useful information can be obtained from:

1. Health Education Authority, Hamilton House, Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9TX  Tel: 0207 383 3833.

2. Cancer Research Campaign, 10 Cambridge Terrace, NW1 4JL Tel: 0207 224 1333.

3. Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Lincoln's Inn Fields, WC2A 3PX Tel: 0207 009 8820.

4. National Radiological Protection Board, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0RQ Tel: 01235 831600.

This information for customers is issued jointly by the Health and Safety Executive and the Department of Health.