It Should Be Banned….

As Dr. Peter Velthuis wrote earlier in my blog, a suntan is “in”. For many people, during the winter months, that brown tan definitely comes from a sunbed. Unfortunately people don’t realise the risks they are taking by regularly using a sunbed. It should be banned.

Sunbed; no thanks!

Sunbed companies have let us believe for years that they use “safe” rays, but this is far from the truth. An increasing number of places in the world are banning sunbeds, such as in Germany where you must be over the age of 18 to enter a tanning studio. Rightly so, since it is difficult at this age to realise the consequences. And if you see everyone around you with a sun tan you need to be strong willed and not give in to it.

Brown without the sun

It’s a pity that people aren’t well informed about alternatives. Nowadays there are very good self tanning creams, they are easy to use and there are enough that give you a nice even tan. And, even more importantly, the substance that gives you the brown colour is safe. Luckily the days when you looked like a carrot after applying the artificial tanner are long gone (still wash your hands after use though…)! Additionally, there are now foundations and bronzers available which come in lovely shades. If you would still like to look a little attractive in 10 years time then it is worth while making the effort to find such products, and regard the tanning studio as a “no go area”…

There is an article in ‘Het Parool’ which underlines my argument that sunbeds should be banned. It follows an investigation published in the Lancet. You should read it!

Have a great weekend!

Regards Jetske.

(Dr. Jetske Ultee –Research Physician Cosmetic Dermatology)