FAQs about solariums

• What is a tan?
• Does a tan protect my skin?
• Isn't solarium tanning safer than tanning in the sun, especially as I don't burn?
• If I use a solarium to build up my tan, won't I be protected from the sun?
• I need a tan for a special occasion, which tan is safest?
• Are solariums banned?
• Isn't a solarium a good way to get vitamin D?
• Does a fake tan provide protection?

What is a tan?

Skin cells make a pigment called melanin. Melanin gives skin its natural colour. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation triggers the skin to make more melanin, which causes the skin to darken or ‘tan'. A tan is a sign that the skin is getting UV radiation damage. It is not a sign of good health.

Does a tan protect my skin?

A natural tan offers very limited sun protection, usually similar to an SPF 3 sunscreen depending on your skin type. However it offers no protection against further DNA damage from UV radiation.

Isn't solarium tanning safer than tanning in the sun, especially as I don't burn?

Solariums make levels of UV radiation up to three times stronger than the midday summer sun. It's like a UV index of 36 whereas the UV index in Victoria at its peak rarely exceeds 12. Tanning without burning can still cause skin damage and premature ageing, and increase your skin cancer risk.

Research shows that using solariums before the age of 35 boosts the risk of melanoma by 75%.

If I use a solarium to build up my tan, won't I be protected from the sun?

Stronger UV radiation levels than the sun mean solariums can damage your skin even faster than a ‘natural' suntan. Research shows that using a solarium can significantly increase your risk of melanoma. There is no safe way to tan.

I need a tan for a special occasion, which tan is safest?

‘Love the skin you're in'. If you must tan then use fake tanning products.

Are solariums banned?

No. There are however certain groups of people that are not allowed to use a sun-tanning unit. Under Victorian legislation this includes anyone aged under 18 years or who has fair skin that burns and never tans (skin type I).

Isn't a solarium a good way to get vitamin D?

Most Australians get enough UV radiation to make vitamin D during normal day-to-day activities. Exposing yourself to the extreme UV radiation levels in a solarium is not safe. If you think you maybe vitamin D deficient, speak to your doctor.

Does a fake tan provide protection?

Fake tanning lotion does not improve your body's ability to protect itself from the sun, so you will still need sun protection. Some fake tans have sunscreen in them, but this only works for the first two hours after application, like any other sunscreen.

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