January marked 10 years since Australia’s commercial solarium ban, a crucial step in reducing melanoma rates, particularly among young Australians influenced by the glamorised view of tanned skin.

Experts say despite the success of the ban in decreasing sunbed usage, the emergence of collagen beds and collariums, labelled as “healthier” alternatives, pose new challenges with accelerating skin aging and collagen destruction.

With two in three Australians estimated to develop skin cancer in their lifetime, these new trends are raising concern among medical professionals.

Image: Pexels Pixabay

Produced By: Jordan Zerella

Featured In Story: Professor Anne Cust – cancer epidemiologist and Chair of Cancer Council’s National Skin Cancer Committee

First aired on The Wire, Thursday 6 February 2025