Using a sunbed is never recommended. They are not a safe way to tan or boost your vitamin D. Sunbeds expose users to higher levels of dangerous UV radiation than the sun. They increase your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. Your skin will also age more quickly.
Repeat users and those who start using sunbeds at a younger age are at greater risk of harm.
Some people are especially at risk. Never use sunbeds if you:
- have pale skin that doesn’t tan easily, or lots of freckles and moles
- have had skin cancer before
- are under 18 (even people under 30 are at higher risk).
Visit the Cancer Society website to find out more about the risks of using sunbeds.
Guidelines for sunbed operators
Guidelines for sunbed operators There are voluntary guidelines for sunbed operators, set out in the standard AS/NZS 2635:2008 Solaria for cosmetic purposes. However, many sunbed operators do not follow these guidelines. See the Consumer New Zealand report on sunbeds for more information.
In June 2016 the Health (Protection) Amendment Act 2016 was passed. It is now illegal for commercial sunbed operators to allow people under the age of 18 to use their sunbeds.
Further information
- Sunbeds - Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand
- SunSmart
- Melanoma Foundation
Updated 28 Nov, 2023