When temporary relief is not worth the cost: a warning on using sunbeds to self-treat acne in teenagers

Abstract

As a teenager, I struggled with severe cystic acne that caused low self-esteem, social anxiety and embarrassment. Desperate for a quick solution, I started regularly using tanning beds based on claims it could clear my skin. While my acne initially improved, I was unaware of the cumulative damage the UV rays from the tanning bed could have on my skin.