‘Return to solariums’ raises fears for health

ERIN PEARSON
EVIDENCE of a trend back to solariums in Geelong has alarmed a Victorian organisation fighting skin cancer.
SunSmart Victoria manager Sue Heward said she was “very concerned” that solarium use was increasing again.
Beauty salons in Geelong have reported a decrease in spray-on tan clients and a corresponding increase in customers seeking solarium treatments.
Ms Heward warned that solariums were no safer despite regulations.
Solarium use before the age of 35 boosted the risk of melanoma 75 per cent, she said.
“Research shows that some solarium users are being exposed to UV levels up to six times the strength of the midday sun and solarium operators are unaware of the excessive levels of UV radiation their customers are being exposed to.
“Our skin remembers everything – all the sunburns, tans, solarium visits or just simple day-to-day time spent outdoors without sun protection.
“It all adds up, increasing your risk of skin cancer.”
A Belmont health and beauty centre operator, who did not want to be identified, said clients had told her they were giving up on weekly tan sprays for daily solarium sessions.
The operator, who has worked in the beauty industry for more than a decade, feared the trend could send beauty salons relying on spray tanning broke and damage the skin of former clients.
“We’ve noticed a steady decline of a regular 50 to 60 weekly and fortnightly spray tan clients over the past six months,” she said.
“Many 16-to-35-year-old women are just prepared to do what it takes to look great.”
Planet Sun Tan and Beauty owner Janine Moyle said demand for solarium services had increase at her salond.
She believed at-home spray tan machines were the reason fewer people were seeking salon spray tans.
“I don’t believe spray tanning is dying I just think there’s more competition,” she said. “People are still using solariums though and haven’t stopped using them over the years.
“It’s still a very big part of our businesses because people like a long lasting tan. We even offer a spray and bake so clients can get the best of both options.”