Jane Kirby

Young people are risking their lives by indulging in "binge tanning", it is claimed today.

More than one-third of under-25s spend at least five hours a day in the sun on holiday, increasing their chances of developing life-threatening skin cancer.

And many are willing to employ a range of tricks, including using baby oil, to speed up their tanning.

The poll, for Cancer Research UK, found that 36% of 15 to 24-year-olds spend more than five hours a day in the sun.

Almost one-third (32%) of those polled said they would be happy to increase their time in the sun if they did not feel tanned enough towards the end of their break.

Around one in three (29%) would use sunscreen with a low factor to speed up their tanning, 19% would be happy to go without sunscreen altogether and 15% would use products such as baby oil.

Around one in five (17%) think getting sunburned is just part of the tanning process, while 11% would be prepared to burn if they did not feel tanned enough towards the end of their holiday.

Of the under-25s surveyed, 39% actually said they would be upset if they came back from their summer holiday without a tan.

Cancer Research UK dermatologist, Professor Lesley Rhodes, said: "Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the primary cause of skin cancer and responsible for around 80% of cases of melanoma, the most dangerous kind of skin cancer.

"In addition to the short- term discomfort and impact on appearance, sunburn also causes permanent irreversible damage leading to premature ageing and significantly increases the risk of skin cancer.

"Put simply, the more time young people are spending in the sun, the more damage they are doing to their skin."

The survey, of 576 people aged 15 to 34, also found it was not just teenagers who take part in "binge tanning".

One in five (19%) in this age group admitted spending more than five hours in the sun, with 16% saying they would increase the amount of time spent in the sun towards the end of their holiday to improve their tan.

The poll comes after the charity also warned that people under 35 who use sunbeds are increasing their risk of skin cancer by up to 75%.

TV presenter Denise van Outen has said she scarred her face through using sunbeds when she was younger. The 33-year-old began using the tanning beds in her teenage years and became addicted, she has said.

New guidelines from the Health and Safety Executive, which are still open to consultation, suggest a ban on sunbeds for the under-18s.

Rebecca Russell, SunSmart campaign manager at Cancer Research UK, said: What's particularly worrying is the lengths young people will go to to get a tan, including burning. Sunburn can double the risk of melanoma.

"People who spend their summer holidays outdoors should remember to enjoy their time safely and use sun protection - shade, clothing and factor 15 plus sunscreen - to reduce risk of skin cancer.

"If you really are desperate for a tan, the best option is to fake it - it's the only way to get a tanned appearance without causing sun damage."