Models Direct are pleased to hear that several top modelling agencies have united against sunbed use in the last few days, coinciding with London Fashion Week. Many models who will appear at the London Fashion Week events are reported to have been banned from using sunbeds. The move has come in support of Cancer Research UK’s R UV UGLY campaign, which aims to educate people about the dangers of sunbed use.
Research shows that melanoma rates have more than quadrupled in the last 30 years and using a sunbed as little as once a month could increase the chance of developing melanoma by more than 50%. Worryingly, melanoma is the second most common form of cancer in 15-34 year olds. Despite these shocking figures many of those who hope to become a model unfortunately still turn to sunbeds for a ‘quick fix’ tan. Now modelling agencies and top models are helping to send out a strong message that sunbed use is dangerous and should be avoided.
SunSmart campaign manager at Cancer Research UK, Chris Lunn, said: “We’re delighted that leading model agencies are backing our R UV UGLY? campaign. Using sunbeds can make your skin coarse, leathery and wrinkly. The UV rays from a sunbed can also damage the DNA in your skin. Over time, this damage can build up and may lead to melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. So, if you feel you must have a tan, it is safer to fake it.”
Porcelain skinned models and celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, Lily Cole, Julianne Moore, Nicola Roberts and Dita Von Teese have been proving for years that pale can be beautiful. David Colbert from the New York Dermatology Group agrees: “If you look at Rachel Weisz, Nicole Kidman, Cate Blanchett, even Madonna, they never go in the sun without protection. Keeping out of the sun means the skin ages more slowly and people look better. Trying to be tanned is a thing of the past.”
If you are interested in finding out more the R UV UGLY Roadshow will take place at Manchester Arndale Centre 24 – 26 February, and the Newcastle Metro Centre 2 – 4 March. There will also be open days put on at various venues and hosted by Sk:n during February and March – you can claim a free skin scan at either. The scan will allow you to view UV damage to your skin which has been caused by exposure to the sun or sunbed use. If you are unable to attend either the roadshow or an open day event you can still claim free vouchers for a skin scan at your local Sk:n clinic via Facebook!
Meanwhile, if you feel you look better with a tan why not follow the Models Direct Safe Tanning Guide where we gave some great tips on making the most of your fake tan back in 2010.