HSE urge young people to avoid 'harmful' sunbeds due to increased risk of skin cancer

Young people across Ireland are being urged to avoid sunbed use following renewed warnings about the long-term health risks linked to sunbed use.

The call is part of the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland’s Dangers of Sunbed Awareness Campaign.

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Research shows that exposure to UV radiation at a young age causes lasting damage to the skin. Using sunbeds before the age of 35 greatly increases the risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, with the risk rising further with repeated use.

Prof Shirley Potter, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, St James’s Hospital, Dublin said:

“Sunbeds are not a safe alternative to natural sunlight. The UV radiation they deliver is intense and harmful, and the damage accumulates over time. We are seeing more young people presenting with early signs of skin damage, and in some cases, skin cancers that could have been prevented. No tan is worth the long‑term risk.”

Young people are encouraged to challenge myths around tanning and beauty. Avoiding sunbeds is a positive step towards protecting long-term health.

There is growing concern about misleading content circulating on social media platforms, where some influencers promote sunbeds as a “safe” or “controlled” way to tan. However, these claims are false, dangerous, and not supported by any medical evidence.

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There are clear ways to prevent skin-cancer. These are: slipping on clothing, using sunscreen, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, seeking shade during the hours at which the sun is strongest and wearing sunglasses. Also it is important to avoid deliberately tanning, to avoid sunburn and never use a sunbed.

Dr. Breeda Neville, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE’s NCCP, said:

“We are increasingly concerned about misinformation online that downplays or denies the dangers of sunbeds. Young people are being targeted with claims that are simply untrue.

“The science is clear: sunbeds increase your risk of cancer. We are asking parents, teachers and healthcare staff to help reinforce this message.”

Under the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014 no person under 18 years of age can use a sunbed in a sunbed premises, sunbeds cannot be sold or hired to under 18s, certain marketing practices and health claims are not allowed, and warning notices are required.

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The HSE encourages the public to rely on trusted, evidence‑based sources for health information and to be cautious of content that contradicts established medical advice.

For more information please see the SunSmart hub at www.hse.ie/SunSmart.