Britain’s leading modeling agencies have signed a groundbreaking ‘No Sunbed’ policy agreement in support of Cancer Research UK’s R UV UGLY? Campaign.
The directors from top model agencies Storm, Elite, Next, Premier Model Management, Models 1, FM, Nevs, Oxygen, Union, First and D1 have all agreed to ban their models using sunbeds to top up their tans during fashion week.
The charity's skin cancer awareness campaign highlights the damage caused by sunbeds. The campaign recently released the shocking study results that four in 10 young people under 25 are ‘encouraged’ to use sunbeds by their friends.
Chris Lunn, from the Cancer Research UKSunSmart campaign manager told The Huffington Post: "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."
Sarah Doukas, managing director of Storm Models, said: "Storm Models is pleased to support Cancer Research UK’s R UV UGLY campaign and the 'No Sunbed Policy' for model agencies.
"Supporting this campaign makes perfect sense as the wellbeing of our models is of paramount importance and we take a serious approach to their health.
"We do not advocate the use of sunbeds for any of our models, and recommend that they choose safer options if they require a tan - spray tans are easy to apply and can last a week. It is well documented that UV from sunbeds can cause serious skin damage, especially in the under 35s."
Adding to this support, Carole White, the co-founder of Premier Model Management said: "Premier Model Management is pleased to support Cancer Research UK's R UV UGLY? campaign and the, 'No Sunbed’ policy for model agencies.
"We pride ourselves on taking care of our models’ welfare and strongly support the view that models should never use a sunbed. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with all other leading model agencies and Cancer Research UK to say NO to sunbeds."
The R UV UGLY campaign is also being backed by other leading cancer charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support.
Elspeth Wigmore, Information Development Nurse at Macmillan Cancer Support, says:
“Young people who use sunbeds are particularly at risk of developing skin cancers including the most serious type of skin cancer, malignant melanoma. Using a sunbed also ages your skin, which will affect your appearance as you get older.
“New regulations ban the use of sunbeds by people under 18. You should see your GP if you notice any changes to your skin that don’t heal or go away on their own.
"To find out more, or if you have any concerns about skin cancer, call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 or visit the website".