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Article: Why We’re Cheering on Ireland’s Sunbed Laws- And Why You Should Too

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Why We’re Cheering on Ireland’s Sunbed Laws- And Why You Should Too

Why We’re Cheering on Ireland’s Sunbed Laws- And Why You Should Too

Why We’re Cheering on Ireland’s Sunbed Laws – And Why You Should Too

If you’ve ever thought a quick session on a sunbed is a harmless shortcut to a golden glow, it’s time for a reality check. Ireland’s new laws limiting sunbed use are a powerful step toward protecting skin health, and for good reason. At Bare by Vogue, we believe in safe, glowing skin that’s built to last, so let’s unpack exactly how sunbeds work and why the science says they’re risky for your skin.

How Do Sunbeds Work? The Science of Artificial Tanning

Sunbeds emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, primarily UVA (Ultra Violet Ageing) and some UVB (Ultra Violet Burning), mimicking the rays of the sun but at much higher intensities. A typical sunbed session exposes your skin to UV levels up to 15 times stronger than natural midday sunlight (World Health Organization). That’s like giving your skin a concentrated blast of radiation in just a few minutes.

These UV rays stimulate your skin’s pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to produce melanin, the pigment that darkens your skin as a natural defence. Sounds simple, but the intensity and type of UV radiation delivered by sunbeds trigger a cascade of damaging effects beneath the surface.

What Do UV Rays Really Do to Your Skin?

  1. DNA Mutations and Skin Cancer Risk
    UV radiation causes direct and indirect damage to your skin’s DNA.
    • Direct damage: UV rays alter DNA structure in skin cells, leading to mutations.
    • Indirect damage: UV rays generate free radicals that attack DNA and other cellular components.
    When these mutations accumulate, they can lead to uncontrolled cell growth—the hallmark of skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma (Cancer Research UK).
  2. Breakdown of Collagen and Elastin
    UVA radiation activates enzymes (MMPs) that degrade collagen and elastin—the proteins responsible for firmness and elasticity. Over time, this leads to wrinkles, sagging, and leathery skin, known as photoageing.
  3. Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
    Free radicals from UV exposure cause oxidative stress, damaging cell membranes and lipids. This drives chronic inflammation, weakens the skin barrier, and accelerates ageing.
  4. Pigmentation and Uneven Skin Tone
    UV radiation overstimulates melanocytes, causing hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and permanent sun spots that disrupt even skin tone.

Why Are Sunbeds Particularly Dangerous?

  • High Intensity: UV rays are much stronger than natural sunlight, speeding up skin damage.
  • Frequent Use: Multiple sessions compound skin damage over time.
  • Early Exposure: Using sunbeds before age 35 increases melanoma risk by up to 75% (IARC). Younger skin is especially vulnerable and less able to repair DNA damage.

Ireland’s New Sunbed Laws: What You Need to Know

Ireland has taken a stand by restricting sunbed use for minors and promoting safer tanning practices. This means less UV exposure, fewer skin cancers in the future, and healthier skin.

Currently, a public consultation is open until October 3, 2025, exploring the possibility of banning commercial sunbed use.

If you’d like to have your say, you can take part in the government’s online survey here: Public Consultation Survey

More info: HSE: Skin Cancer Prevention 2023–2026

How Bare by Vogue Supports Safe, Science-Backed Tanning

Our products use DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a sugar derivative that reacts with the dead cells on your skin’s surface to create a natural, sunless tan—without UV exposure. Unlike sunbeds, DHA does not penetrate living skin or cause DNA damage.

We also enrich our formulas with:

  • Vitamin E: Supports barrier health and soothes inflamed skin.
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Deeply hydrates and plumps to reduce fine lines.
  • Antioxidants: Neutralise free radicals and protect against environmental stressors.

Bare by Vogue’s Favourite Safe Tan Essentials

  • Tinted Gradual Tan – Build a gorgeous glow over days with this moisturising, gentle formula, perfect for daily use and all skin types. 

  • Face Tanning Serum (Light/Medium) – Combines skincare and tanning benefits, delivering hydration, brightness, and natural colour for sensitive or mature skin. 

The Bottom Line: Glow Smarter, Protect Better

Sunbed's might promise a fast tan, but the science is clear: they cause real, lasting damage to your skin’s DNA and structure. Choosing safe, sunless tanning keeps your skin glowing, youthful, and—most importantly—healthy.





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