A golden tan has been part of Australian summer style for a long time. Yet the way people get that colour has changed a great deal. Commercial solariums are now banned across the country, and fake tan made with skin dyes offers colour without UV. Knowing why the ban exists helps you make a safer choice for your skin.
This article explains what solariums are, why they were banned and what the health risks look like. It also covers how fake tan works and what it can and cannot do. The facts come from Australian government health sources. It is general information to help you make informed decisions.
What solariums are
A solarium, also called a sunbed or tanning bed, tans the skin using lamps that give off artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation. According to ARPANSA, Australia’s radiation safety agency, sunbeds emit both UVA and UVB radiation. The World Health Organization lists both types as carcinogens. In plain terms, they are known to cause cancer.
The Better Health Channel, run by the Victorian Government, says solariums can emit UV levels up to six times stronger than the midday summer sun. Queensland Health puts the figure at up to five times stronger. Either way, the dose is far higher than the sun at its strongest. That is a lot of UV for skin to absorb in one sitting.
Why commercial solariums were banned
ARPANSA states that commercial solaria were banned in all Australian states and territories by 2016. Queensland’s ban started on 1 January 2015, and Victoria’s came in the same month. The ban covers commercial use only, so owning a personal tanning bed is still legal. Charging a fee for tanning sessions, however, is illegal.
Before the bans, a voluntary code stopped people under 18 using solariums and restricted use for some skin types. ARPANSA notes that operators showed poor compliance with that code. It also points out that operators may have little or no training. That means they may not understand the UV dose a customer receives.
Rules and penalties are set by each state and territory, so the details differ around the country. ARPANSA advises that anyone charging for tanning sessions should be reported to police or the state or territory regulator. If you are offered a sunbed session for a fee, treat it as a red flag. A responsible salon will offer sunless options instead.
The health risks of sunbeds
The risks are well documented. The Better Health Channel says melanoma risk is about 20% higher for solarium users. That risk rises to 59% for people who started using them before the age of 35. Squamous cell carcinoma risk rises by 67% and basal cell carcinoma risk by 29%.
A 2008 Australian study cited by ARPANSA estimated the toll before the bans. It linked tanning bed UV exposure to 43 melanoma related deaths each year in Australia. The same study linked it to 2,572 new squamous cell carcinoma cases each year. Those numbers relate to a time when commercial solariums were still operating.
Skin is not the only part of the body at risk. The Better Health Channel notes that solariums can cause eye damage as well as sunburn, irritation, redness and swelling. It also warns that UV radiation can cause permanent DNA damage. If you have had laser eye surgery or plan to, ask your eye specialist about protecting your eyes from UV.
A tan is not a sign of health
Many people see a tan as a healthy glow. The Better Health Channel puts it plainly: a tan is a sign that the skin has been damaged by UV radiation. It is not a sign of good health. A tan is equivalent to a sun protection factor (SPF) of only about 3.
Outdoor exercise is a big part of life for many Australians. If you train outside while working out how long it takes to get fit, your skin is getting regular sun exposure. A tan picked up along the way is still a sign of UV damage. Covering up and planning sessions with the sun in mind are sensible habits.
How fake tan works
Fake tan uses a tanning agent to colour the skin. Queensland Health explains there are two main types of product. Skin dyes add temporary colour and are usually made from vegetable dyes. They come as spray booth treatments, bottles or wipes.
Because skin dyes do not need sunlight to work, Queensland Health describes fake tanning skin dyes as relatively safe. The second type is a tan enhancing agent. These products prompt skin cells called melanocytes to make more melanin. A tan then develops when the treated skin is exposed to sunlight, so they still rely on UV.
Fake tan does not protect you from the sun
This point is easy to overlook. Queensland Health is clear that fake tan products give no protection from the sun. Your skin may look darker, but it can still burn and be damaged. Keep up your usual sun safe habits whenever you are outdoors, even with a fresh tan.
Allergies and sensitive skin
The chemicals in skin dyes can cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. Always follow the directions that come with the product. If your skin reacts, stop using it and get advice from a doctor or pharmacist. A spray tan technician should be able to tell you what is in the solution they use.
Choosing a tanning salon
Spray tans are offered by many beauty salons and mobile technicians. A good salon will be upfront about the products it uses and how to prepare your skin. Look for that information before you book, either on the salon’s website or by asking. Our article on beauty salon website design looks at why a well built site matters for salons.
Frequently asked questions
Are solariums legal in Australia?
ARPANSA says commercial solariums were banned in every state and territory by 2016. Owning a personal tanning bed is still legal. Charging people a fee to use one is illegal.
Does fake tan protect against sunburn?
No, it does not. Queensland Health says fake tan products give no protection from the sun. You still need to protect your skin outdoors.
Is a natural tan healthy?
A tan is a sign of UV damage to the skin, not a sign of good health. The Better Health Channel says a tan is equivalent to an SPF of about 3. That is very little protection.
Are spray tans safer than sunbeds?
Skin dyes used in spray tans do not need sunlight, which is why Queensland Health considers them relatively safe. They can still cause allergic reactions in sensitive skin. Always follow the product directions.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. If you have concerns about your skin, a skin change or your health, speak with a doctor or qualified health professional.