But what is clear is that both tanning methods expose the skin to potentially harmful levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. ... "The simple answer is that sunbeds are about the same as being in the sun," says Mark Birch-Machin, a skin cancer expert at Newcastle University.

Is sunbeds worse than sunbathing?

No. Using a sunbed isn't safer than sunbathing. And sunbeds won't protect you from sunburn or damage to your skin from sunbathing. Sunbeds are sometimes marketed as a way of getting a 'safer tan'.

What is 10 minutes on a sunbed equivalent to?

This means that to achieve the same results as being in the sun, you won't need to be in the sunbed for nearly as long. A good example of just how different the results are taking into account that ten minutes in a sunbed compares to about 2 hours in direct sunlight.