It's far safer to build up a natural tan by using sun cream than visiting the tanning salon
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A new study has found around a third of people who use sunbeds may become addicted to the tanning effects
Researchers also found that sunbed users who were addicted were also more prone to suffer from anxiety and more likely to use alcohol and drugs.
The study, undertaken by US researchers looked at 421 college studies, 229 of whom used sunbeds. The average sunbed user had used the tanning beds 23 times in the past year.
They also filled out questionnaires on addictive behaviours. Between 30 and 39 per cent of sunbed users were classed as being addicted.
The researchers said tackling the underlying anxiety, alcohol and drug problems may be the key to encourage people to quit using sun beds.
The researchers said, ‘Despite ongoing efforts to educate the public about the health risks associated with natural and non-solar UV radiation, recreational tanning continues to increase among young adults’.
A bill to ban sunbeds for under-18s was recently passed by the House of Lords. Scotland has already banned sunbeds for under-18’s and Wales and Northern Ireland are planning to follow suit.
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