Kim Kardashian called out for glamourising sunbeds but how dangerous are they?

The Irish Cancer Society is concerned about how Kim Kardashian is glamourising sunbeds

As she gave fans a tour of her office space, Kim Kardashian revealed that she had a tanning bed in her office.

A tanning bed. In 2024.

We are all too aware of the dangers that come with using sunbeds. We've been warned about the side effects and the risks for years, so why is one of the world's biggest celebrities glamourising them?

Seeing Kim Kardashian laugh about having access to a sunbed just doesn't sit right with me. She's one of the most influential figures in the beauty and fashion industries. Millions of young women and girls look up to her, follow her beauty advice, and try to be more like her.

So why is she being so reckless by fooling people into thinking tanning beds are cool again?

We reached out to the Irish Cancer Society to discuss the dangers of using sunbeds

Kevin O’Hagan, Cancer Prevention Manager at the Irish Cancer Society stressed that using a sunbed once can increase your risk of skin cancer.

He told Her.ie's Kat O'Connor, "We would be very concerned [about Kim's influence] because skin cancer is the fastest growing form of cancer in Ireland. There are 13,000 new cases of skin cancer diagnosed in Ireland every year. That figure is projected to double in the next 20 years.

"We do know that sunbeds are classified as carcinogenic. We know that people who use sunbeds, even once in their lives, have a 20% higher risk of developing melanoma skin cancer. It's a real worry that people would think they're safe because they're certainly not because they can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Kevin told us that people who use sun beds before the age of 35 can increase their risk of being diagnosed with melanoma by 75%. It's a figure that is completely shocking and one that'll open people's eyes to the dangers of tanning beds.

"There could come a time when sunbeds are banned in Ireland"

"Celebrities have a huge influence, particularly on young females. For that reason, we need to remind people of just how dangerous sunbeds are. It really is quite serious."

"We are doing everything we can to discourage people, especially young women, from using them."

People under the age of 18 are not allowed to use sunbeds in Ireland. They're not even allowed to enter salons with tanning beds, but is this enough?

Isn't it time for tanning beds to be completely banned in Ireland?

"There could come a time when sunbeds are banned in Ireland. Ireland could follow in the footsteps of Australia and Brazil one day. In time, we could see a ban on sunbeds in Ireland.

Kim Kardashian claims using a sunbed helps her psoriasis, but is it worth the risks that come with using sunbeds?

I have psoriasis and it really helps when it’s bad. But I don’t use it too often https://t.co/QuIvUgcZcZ

— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) January 19, 2024

The figures from the Irish Cancer Society say it all. No tan is ever worth risking your health.

Kim Kardashian should know better and use her celebrity status for good and not glamourise something so harmful.

If you have questions or concerns about cancer, contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line of Freephone 1800 200 700. You can also contact them on [email protected]