Almost four in five skin experts say: It’s time to ban sunbeds

ALMOST four in five skin experts want a ban on sunbeds amid fears that those chasing the Love Island look are putting themselves at risk of skin cancer, a survey has found.

In the poll, 77 per cent of dermatologists said the beds should be outlawed while more than nine in ten said high street tanning salons, which are unregulated, are leading to a rise in disease and deaths.

Cancer Research UK recently warned that skin cancer rates have soared over the last decade, particularly in men and younger adults.

The latest figures show the incidence of melanomas in men rose by 53 per cent, up from 19 per 100,000 in 2004-6 to 29 per 100,000 in 2014-16.

And diagnoses in 25 to 49year-olds have risen 78 per cent, from nine per 100,000 in the mid-1990s to 16 in 2014-16.

Melanoma is now the fifth

most common cancer in the UK – with just under 16,400 cases in 2016. The survey of 245 experts by the British Skin Foundation (BSF) also found that 91 per cent believe the age at which people can legally use sunbeds should be raised from 18 to 21.

BSF spokesman Lisa Bickerstaffe said: ‘The dermatologists’ opinions appear to support research stating the potential to get skin cancer, including melanoma, is increased in those who have also used sunbeds.

‘We know that there is no such thing as a safe tan from UV rays, therefore, the British Skin Foundation, in line with other health organisations does not recommend sunbed use.’

This week, Jackie Doyle-Price, minister for mental health and suicide prevention, accused reality shows such as ITV2’s Love Island of projecting unrealistic ideas about body image, causing a rise in cosmetic surgery.

‘Raising risk of cancer’