New research by top private healthcare clinic Pall Mall Medical has revealed an alarming surge in sunbed use, with reports indicating that Gen Z is leading the charge, and Warrington is ranked third for the most tan-obsessed.
Monthly searches for sunbeds and tanning-related terms now top half a million, and the numbers are still climbing.
In just the past three months, searches for “best sunbed accelerator” have soared by 171%, while the chillingly named “final destination sunbed”, a nod to the infamous horror scene, has seen a 315% spike. The hashtag #sunbed has racked up over 100,600 posts on TikTok, as influencers glamorise the bronzed look, seemingly blind to the risks.
Dr Tang, GP at Pall Mall Medical, warns: “We’re seeing a generation chasing the perfect tan at any cost. The health risks are undeniable: premature ageing, severe burns, and most worryingly, an increased risk of skin cancer. This isn’t just a beauty trend, it’s a public health crisis in the making.”
Newcastle tops the chart as Britain’s most tan-obsessed city, with a staggering 2,042 searches per 100,000 residents each month. Not far behind is Manchester at 1,981, followed by Warrington (1,839), Sheffield (1,657) and Glasgow (1,638).
In stark contrast, Wigan (751), Chester (749), Dudley (720), and even London (593) show far less interest in tanning beds, highlighting a striking regional divide.
Artificial tanning is making a troubling comeback, particularly among Gen Z. A study by Melanoma Focus found that 43% of 18- to 25-year-olds admitted to using sunbeds. Worryingly, 29% say they use them regularly, with many influenced by viral TikTok content and social media trends that glamorise bronzed skin while glossing over the severe health risks.
From celebrity culture to social media filters, tanning is seen by many as the ultimate beauty boost. But TikTok may be fuelling the fire, with endless videos showcasing “tan hacks” and sunbed-enhancing products available on TikTok Shop. Young users are bombarded with messaging that promotes the bronzed ideal.
Searches for “sunbed burn” have shockingly jumped 46% in just three months, signalling rising cases of severe overexposure. And while searches for “do sunbeds cause cancer” and “sunbeds and vitamin D” suggest growing concern, many are still prioritising tan over health.
Dr Tang adds: “We’re seeing more patients suffering from sunbed damage, burns, pigmentation, and in some cases, early signs of skin cancer. The myth that sunbeds are a safe way to top up vitamin D is dangerously misleading.”
Sharing his top five safety tips, Dr Tang recommends the following measures.
“Avoid sunbeds altogether, there is no safe level of use,” Dr Tang said.
“Use SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even in winter. Embrace self-tan lotions or sprays as safer alternatives. Cover up with hats and UV-protective clothing outdoors, and get regular skin checks, especially if you’ve used sunbeds in the past.”
The ABCDE rule is a great way to keep an eye on existing moles and changes to the skin, added the expert.
“If you’re checking your skin, the ABCDE mole rule is a handy way to spot anything suspicious: A is for Asymmetry, B is for Border (look for jagged edges), C is for Colour (multiple or uneven shades), and D is for Diameter, anything bigger than a pencil eraser should get checked out. Finally, E is for Evolution: Keep track of any changes in your moles over time.
“In short, if a mole looks weird or is changing, get it seen. We now have innovative assessments like mole mapping that create a detailed photographic record of your moles, helping detect new or changing ones early. They can be crucial for spotting skin cancer before it becomes serious.”
** Pall Mall Medical analysed 250 popular sunbed-related search terms (combined monthly volume: 495,830) using Google Keyword Planner, across the UK’s 50 largest cities, normalised per 100,000
