Answer - Sun-beds have always appeared to be the healthier alternative to tanning on the beach. However, research has shown that UVA damages chromosomes in the skin cells thus increasing the chance of getting skin cancer.

According to the Imperial Cancer Research Fund, sun-beds give out two to three times more UVA rays than that of sunlight
(an average 30 - minute session contains the equivalent UVA dose as that of a day at the beach). If you are under the age of 16, have a fair skin and have freckles or moles, you should avoid using a sun-bed totally.

A dermatologist from the ICRF's Skin Tumour Laboratory suggested that we stick to sunlight, even if there is an increased UV exposure caused by the thinning of the ozone. The sun offers a more natural spectrum of radiation and, by us burning, the UVB component acts as an alarm signal to cover up.

A safer alternative altogether is to use self tan lotion, which dyes the superficial layers of the skin with a brown pigment. Better still, use sun-block on exposed areas to create a subtle yet noticeable tan. You will definitely notice the difference after a couple of years.