Sunburn is a major risk factor for skin cancer, yet many Australians continue to get sunburnt every year. This section looks at the link between sunburn and skin cancer, as well as the dangers of suntans and solariums.
Unfortunately, too many Australians are familiar with the pain and discomfort of sunburn. Most of us have been sunburnt at least once in our lives, and many people get sunburnt regularly during summer.
The UV radiation from the sun makes our skin burn. You can't see or feel UV radiation. It can pass through light cloud so sunburn can occur on cool, cloudy days.
As soon as UV radiation hits our skin, the top layer of the skin releases chemicals that cause the blood vessels to swell and leak fluids, causing inflammation, pain and redness.
This type of damage, which can occur in as little as 15 minutes, will continue to develop for 1-3 days after exposure to the sun. Sunburn and skin cancer risk
If you've been sunburnt, it means that cells in your skin have absorbed some UV radiation, which can damage the genetic structure of the cell, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
All types of sunburn – whether serious or mild – can cause permanent skin damage and can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. Treating sunburn
For severe sunburn (blistering, fever, nausea), see a doctor. It's important to drink lots of fluids as sunburn can cause dehydration, but avoid cold drinks, which can cause chills. It can also help to have a cool (not cold) shower, and to apply cool or lukewarm compresses.
If you have mild or moderate sunburn:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Have a cool shower or bath – gently pat the skin dry afterward.
- Talk to your pharmacist about a suitable cream to soothe the sunburn and pain relief
If you're unsure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
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Suntans
What is a suntan?
A tan is much more than skin turning brown. Skin cells in the epidermis (the top or outer layer of the skin) produce a pigment called melanin, which gives skin its colour. When skin is exposed to UV radiation, melanin is produced and the skin darkens.
Many people think that a tan is a sign of good health, and talk about a “healthy tan”.
In reality, a tan is a sign that your skin has been exposed to too much UV radiation and damage has occurred. Even a light tan shows that the skin has been damaged. Is there a ‘safe' way to tan?
Some people think it's safe to tan, as long as they don't burn. But tanning without burning may still damage the cells in your skin, leading to skin damage, premature ageing and potentially skin cancer. Can a suntan protect against sunburn?
It is true that melanin is a natural defence against the sun's damaging rays, as it absorbs some UV radiation. But don't rely on a tan to protect you from sunburn – it's only the equivalent of sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 2.
Remember, too, that people with fair skin (a large proportion of the Australian population) have less melanin than people with darker skins. The melanin produced by fair-skinned people is far less protective. However, UV levels in Australia are so high that even people with olive skin or naturally dark skin can be at risk of skin damage. Fake tans
Some people use fake tans as an alternative to tanning in the sun or in a solarium. There are many types of fake tans on the market, including lotions and sprays.
Fake tanning lotions contain synthetic or vegetable dyes that temporarily colour the skin. The colour will fade when the dead skin cells flake away. A colour will last up to seven days.
If you prefer to have skin that looks tanned, it's far preferable to get it from a bottle than to damage your skin by spending hours in the sun.
Using fake tan is like dyeing your skin – the change is only on the outside. You'll still need to use sun protection methods such as using shade, clothing to protect your skin, and SPF30+ sunscreen.
Some fake-tan products contain a sunscreen, but this will protect you only for a few hours after applying the tan (depending on the SPF) – not for the length of time that the colour remains.
Solariums are enclosed sun beds built with light tubes that release radiation from above and below your body. Solariums release UVA and UVB radiation.
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Solariums
Are solariums safe?
A solarium tan is not a safe tan. Solariums are not a safe way to tan and can result in serious damage to your skin. Just like the sun, solariums emit UVA and UVB radiation, which can damage skin and cause skin cancer. UV radiation from solariums can be just as intense, if not more so, than natural light.
Solariums that advertise ‘mini' or ‘high performance' tans that colour your skin in less than 10 minutes do this by exposing you to high levels of UV radiation. You are not reducing your risk of skin cancer by being in the solarium for a shorter period of time.
The Cancer Council does not support cosmetic tanning in solariums under any circumstances. Think about the risk
If you are considering using a solarium, think carefully about all the risks. Solarium operators should provide you with correct information about the risks and ask you to sign a consent form before you proceed.
If you are unclear about the risks, or feel uncomfortable with what the operator tells you, we strongly advise that you don't go ahead.
Australian Standards has released guidelines for solariums that restrict operators from advertising their product as being safe or healthy and bans use of solariums by children under the age of 15. Information
Information Sheet - Solarium
Position Statement Solariums
Poster Solarium
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