Tanning Beds Linked to Higher Melanoma Risk: Why Experts Are Calling for Stricter Regulation
Berlin, April 27 — A growing body of research continues to confirm what dermatologists have long warned: indoor tanning significantly increases the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Despite decades of public health campaigns, a new study reveals that more than one in eight adults and adolescents across Europe have used tanning beds, prompting experts to demand stronger regulatory measures, targeted public education, and improved surveillance of users.
As Editor of the Health section at World Today Journal, I’ve followed this issue closely over the past decade. What concerns me most is not just the persistent use of tanning devices, but the regulatory gaps that allow them to remain accessible—especially to young people. With melanoma rates rising globally, particularly among younger populations, the need for action has never been more urgent.
The latest findings, published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, indicate that 13.4% of individuals aged 15 to 75 in 27 European countries reported using indoor tanning devices at least once in their lifetime. The study, based on data from the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) conducted between 2018 and 2020, also found that usage was highest among women and younger adults—groups already at elevated risk for melanoma due to behavioral and biological factors. The full study is available here.
The Science Behind the Risk
Indoor tanning devices emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation—both UVA and UVB rays—which damage the DNA in skin cells. This damage can lead to mutations that trigger uncontrolled cell growth, the hallmark of cancer. According to the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), indoor tanning is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, the same category as tobacco smoke and asbestos. The IARC’s 2012 evaluation found that using tanning beds before the age of 35 increases melanoma risk by 59%.
“There is no such thing as a safe tan,” said Dr. Susanne Weg-Remers, head of the Cancer Information Service at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg. “Every exposure to UV radiation, whether from the sun or a tanning bed, contributes to cumulative skin damage. The idea that a ‘base tan’ protects against sunburn is a dangerous myth.”
A 2023 meta-analysis published in JAMA Dermatology further quantified the risk: individuals who had ever used indoor tanning had a 20% higher risk of developing melanoma compared to those who had never used such devices. The risk doubled for those who began tanning before age 25. The study can be accessed here.
Regulatory Landscape: A Patchwork of Policies
Despite the clear evidence, regulation of indoor tanning varies widely across Europe and beyond. In 2009, Brazil became the first country to ban indoor tanning outright, citing public health risks. Australia followed in 2016, implementing a nationwide ban on commercial tanning services. In the European Union, however, the approach remains fragmented.
Several EU member states have taken steps to restrict access. France, for example, banned indoor tanning for minors in 2018 and prohibited the use of tanning beds for cosmetic purposes in 2021. Germany introduced a ban on tanning bed use for individuals under 18 in 2009, and in 2023, the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) proposed stricter limits on UV emissions from tanning devices, though these have not yet been fully implemented. The BfS’s guidelines are available here.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also taken action. In 2014, the agency reclassified tanning devices from low-risk to moderate-risk products, requiring manufacturers to include a visible black-box warning label stating that they should not be used by individuals under 18. However, in a surprising move in April 2026, the FDA withdrew a 2015 proposal that would have prohibited tanning bed use by minors nationwide. The decision was met with criticism from dermatologists and public health advocates, who argued that it weakened protections for young people at a time when melanoma rates among adolescents continue to rise. The FDA’s current stance on tanning devices can be found here.
“The withdrawal of the FDA’s proposal is a step backward,” said Dr. Elizabeth Martin, president of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). “We know that early exposure to UV radiation is particularly harmful, and minors are especially vulnerable to the marketing tactics of the tanning industry. Stricter regulations are not just necessary—they are overdue.”
Who Is Most at Risk?
The EHIS study highlights several demographic trends in tanning bed use. Women are significantly more likely to use indoor tanning devices than men, with 18.5% of women reporting use compared to 8.1% of men. Usage is also highest among younger adults: 22.3% of individuals aged 15 to 24 reported using tanning beds, compared to just 6.8% of those aged 65 to 75.
These trends align with broader patterns of melanoma incidence. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in Europe, with over 144,000 new cases diagnosed in 2020. Although melanoma is more common in older adults, It’s also one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among young adults, particularly women. In the U.S., melanoma is the second most common cancer in women aged 20 to 29. Global melanoma statistics are available here.
Experts point to several factors driving tanning bed use among young people. Social media and beauty standards that glorify tanned skin play a significant role, as do misconceptions about the safety of indoor tanning. A 2022 survey by the AAD found that 28% of young adults believed tanning beds were safer than natural sunlight—a myth that public health campaigns have struggled to dispel. The AAD’s survey results can be found here.
What Can Be Done?
Public health experts and dermatologists are calling for a multi-pronged approach to address the risks of indoor tanning. Key recommendations include:
- Stricter age restrictions: Banning tanning bed use for minors under 18, as several countries have already done. Evidence shows that such bans reduce usage among adolescents. A 2021 study in Pediatrics found that states in the U.S. With age restrictions had a 30% lower prevalence of indoor tanning among high school students. The study is available here.
- Public education campaigns: Targeted messaging to dispel myths about tanning, particularly among young women. Campaigns like the AAD’s “Choose Your Skin” and the European Commission’s “Sun Safety” initiative have shown promise in raising awareness. The EU’s sun safety resources can be found here.
- Surveillance and data collection: Improved tracking of tanning bed use and melanoma incidence to inform policy decisions. The EHIS study is a step in the right direction, but experts argue that more granular data—such as frequency of use and age of first exposure—are needed to tailor interventions effectively.
- Industry accountability: Holding tanning salons accountable for misleading advertising and ensuring they comply with existing regulations. In 2023, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) settled a case with a major tanning salon chain for falsely claiming that indoor tanning was safe and posed no health risks. The FTC’s action is detailed here.
What You Can Do
For individuals concerned about skin cancer risk, dermatologists recommend the following steps:
- Avoid indoor tanning: There is no safe level of UV radiation from tanning beds. If you desire a tanned appearance, consider sunless tanning products, which do not carry the same risks.
- Practice sun safety: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. To 4 p.m.).
- Perform regular skin checks: Examine your skin monthly for new or changing moles, and spot a dermatologist annually for a professional skin exam. Early detection is critical for successful melanoma treatment.
- Educate others: Share information about the risks of indoor tanning with friends and family, particularly young people who may be more susceptible to social pressures.
For parents, the message is clear: talk to your children about the dangers of tanning beds. “We know that peer pressure and social media influence play a huge role in tanning behaviors,” said Dr. Weg-Remers. “Parents can facilitate by reinforcing healthy habits and setting a good example.”
Looking Ahead
The fight against indoor tanning is far from over. While some countries have made progress, others lag behind, and enforcement of existing regulations remains inconsistent. In the coming months, the European Commission is expected to release updated guidelines on UV exposure and skin cancer prevention, which could include recommendations for harmonizing tanning bed regulations across member states. Meanwhile, the AAD and other advocacy groups continue to push for stronger federal action in the U.S.
As a physician and health journalist, I believe the evidence is clear: indoor tanning is a preventable risk factor for melanoma, and the time for decisive action is now. The question is not whether we can afford to regulate tanning beds more strictly, but whether we can afford not to.
For those seeking more information, the following resources provide evidence-based guidance on skin cancer prevention and the risks of indoor tanning:
- World Health Organization: UV Tanning Devices
- American Cancer Society: Indoor Tanning
- American Academy of Dermatology: Skin Cancer
What are your thoughts on indoor tanning regulations? Should governments do more to protect young people from these risks? Share your views in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article to help spread awareness.