What are ‘collarium’ sunbeds? Here’s why you should stay away

Error message

Notice: Undefined property: stdClass::$ds_changed in eval() (line 16 of /var/www/7/modules/php/php.module(80) : eval()'d code).
Notice: Undefined property: stdClass::$ss_search_api_url in eval() (line 20 of /var/www/7/modules/php/php.module(80) : eval()'d code).
Notice: Undefined property: stdClass::$tm_title in eval() (line 20 of /var/www/7/modules/php/php.module(80) : eval()'d code).

A collarium sunbed emits both UV radiation and a mix of visible wavelength colours to produce a pink or red light.

Metadata

Provider:

The Conversation

URL:

https://theconversation.com/what-are-collarium-sunbeds-heres-why-you-should-stay-away-223192

Retrieved on:

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Information

Tags:

Geotags:

UVA, VICTORIA, NORTHERN TERRITORY, AUSTRALIA, NEW SOUTH WALES, QUEENSLAND

Summary

Key Points:

A collarium sunbed emits both UV radiation and a mix of visible wavelength colours to produce a pink or red light.
Like an old-school sunbed, the user lies in it for ten to 20 minute sessions to quickly develop a tan.

Why were sunbeds banned?

Commercial sunbeds have been illegal across Australia since 2016 (except for in the Northern Territory) under state-based radiation safety laws.
Their dangers were highlighted by young Australians including Clare Oliver who developed melanoma after using sunbeds.
Research shows people who have used sunbeds at least once have a 41% increased risk of developing melanoma, while ten or more sunbed sessions led to a 100% increased risk.

How are collarium sunbeds supposed to be different?

Australian sellers of collarium sunbeds imply they are safe, but their machine descriptions note the use of UV radiation, particularly UVA.
UVA is one part of the spectrum of UV radiation.
Evidence shows all types of sunbeds increase the risk of melanoma, including those that use only UVA.

Collagen claims

One particularly odd claim about collarium sunbeds is that they stimulate collagen.
Collagen is the main supportive tissue in our skin.

The reactive oxygen species generated by UVA light damage existing collagen structures and kick off a molecular chain of events that downgrades collagen-producing enzymes and increases collagen-destroying enzymes.
Over time, a build-up of degraded collagen fragments in the skin promotes even more destruction.

What about phototherapy?

The anti-collagen effects of UVA can also be used to treat thickened scars and keloids.
Side-effects of UV phototherapy include tanning, itchiness, dryness, cold sore virus reactivation and, notably, premature skin ageing.

So what happens now?

It looks like many collariums are just sunbeds rebranded with red light.
Queensland Health is currently investigating whether these salons are breaching the state’s Radiation Safety Act, and operators could face large fines.

Katie Lee receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council. Anne Cust receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council and Medical Research Future Fund.