Experts Call for Ban on Commercial Sunbeds in the UK

Experts are advocating for a complete ban on commercial sunbeds in the United Kingdom due to their association with an increased risk of melanoma and other skin cancers, particularly among younger demographics. This urgent call comes in light of recent findings published in a medical journal, which highlight the ineffectiveness of current regulations concerning sunbed use.

Recent trends indicate that the demand for indoor tanning is on the rise, especially among the younger generation, including those from Generation Z (individuals born between 1997 and 2012). Social media platforms are increasingly portraying sunbeds as a vital component of wellness routines. A survey conducted in 2024 by Melanoma Focus revealed that 43% of respondents aged 18-25 admitted to using sunbeds, with half of these individuals using them at least once a week, often without adequate awareness of the associated health risks.

Despite a regulation implemented in 2011 prohibiting individuals under the age of 18 from using sunbeds in England and Wales, a subsequent survey in 2025 indicated that 34% of 16-17-year-olds were still engaging with sunbed services. The lack of monitoring regarding the number and location of sunbed facilities across the UK exacerbates the concerns raised by health professionals. Data collected in January 2024 estimated there were 4,231 sunbed outlets in England and 232 in Wales, with a notable concentration in areas with higher population densities, particularly in the northwest and northeast of England, as well as in socioeconomically disadvantaged regions.

The correlation between the prevalence of sunbed outlets and rising melanoma rates among young people is alarming. Northern England has reported the highest melanoma diagnosis rates, with over 2,600 new cases recorded annually among individuals aged 25-49 from 2018 to 2020. Approximately two-thirds of these cases were women, leading to 146 fatalities in that period.

Internationally, examples from countries with stricter regulations show that the problem persists. In the Republic of Ireland, the percentage of individuals under 18 using sunbeds has remained largely unchanged since the introduction of tighter regulations in 2014. Similarly, in Iceland, 15-17-year-olds have become the predominant users of sunbeds despite a ban on their use for individuals under 18 that has been in place since 2011.

The experts argue that the current situation exemplifies an inadequately regulated industry that aggressively promotes a hazardous product to vulnerable populations. They propose that an outright ban on commercial sunbeds, combined with public education initiatives, represents the most effective strategy for reducing skin cancer rates, preserving lives, and alleviating pressures on the National Health Service (NHS).

To address the economic consequences that a ban might impose on businesses and communities, the experts recommend the implementation of a buy-back scheme. This initiative could help mitigate industry resistance and support those whose livelihoods are tied to sunbed operations.

In conclusion, the experts assert that the UK government has committed to prioritizing preventive health measures and tackling health inequalities. Given that commercial sunbeds disproportionately target the most vulnerable groups, immediate action is required. While promoting sun-safe behaviors is essential, this approach is likely to take generations to yield results. Therefore, instituting a ban on commercial sunbeds is a crucial initial step that would send a strong message and produce immediate positive outcomes for public health.