Teenager compared to a ‘burnt chip’ urges younger generations not to use sunbeds

A student admitted she regrets using sunbeds on a daily basis to look ‘glamorous’ as she became so dark that people claimed she looked ‘cremated’.

Megan Blain, 18, decided to swap fake tan bottles for sunbeds two years ago to achieve a darker look all-year round.

The teenager said she used a sunbed every day for two years – often laying on the beds for as long as half an hour under the UV lights.

The student, who lives in Seaham, County Durham, said she also injects herself with tanning jabs before using the tanning the beds to give herself a deeper glow.

However, two years since first using sunbeds, Megan admits that she is ‘addicted’ – claiming she never feels dark enough despite spending hours a week tanning.

Megan said she’s even noticed a suspicious patch recently appear on her skin. However, her fear of cancer did not stop her from using the sunbeds.

She says that strangers often stare at her on the street – and trolls compare her to a ‘burnt chip’ – but she still never feels dark enough.

But now Megan is finally managing to wean herself off the beds and has at least three days off the each week.

She has taken to TikTok to warn other people not to use sunbeds.

Megan said: ‘I didn’t know much about sunbeds when I first started. So for the first year, I used to go on for half an hour at a time covered in baby oil. It made me feel really confident at first.’

‘I started using tanning injections as well before going on the beds. They made me feel sick and drowsy at first but now they don’t really have an effect on me.’

‘I just liked how I looked with a tan. I’m a person that wears bright colours and liked how it made the colours pop.’

‘I started seeing results and how good it made me look and started going on more often. Next thing I know I’m stuck in a cycle of abusing sunbeds and taking tanning injections which make me feel sick and sometimes unable to eat. I used to go on every day and now it’s four times a week.’

‘Everywhere I go, I see people staring at me. When people say I’m dark, I actually find that hard to believe. I don’t feel dark whatsoever – it’s like I’m physically blind.’

‘I want to stop one day but I can’t ever imagine myself not going on the sunbeds. I wouldn’t recommend anyone to do this. You could end up addicted without even realising like me.’

Despite noticing a new blemish on her skin, Megan says she ‘doesn’t worry about melanoma’ – which confirmed to the teen how addicted to sunbeds she really is.

Megan said: ‘I’ve noticed a patch on my skin which keeps changing size. I’ve tried to go to the doctors like five times but keep freezing at the door.’

‘I’m one of those people that will worry over anything so for me not to be worried about potentially having melanoma I noticed a few months ago and still abuse the sunbeds has made me realise this is an addiction. I just never think I’m dark enough.

‘People tell me how brown I am and I find it so hard to believe as I don’t feel tanned whatsoever.

‘It doesn’t even faze me that I could have melanoma and could turn into something life-threatening, it doesn’t scare me at all.’

Megan said her views on sunbeds have changed – and is now warning the younger generation to steer clear of tanning salons.

Megan said: ‘After two years, my views on sunbeds have changed. If I could go back in time, I would’ve never started. I just feel like I have to go on the sunbeds – it’s not even a case of wanting to be tanned anymore.’

‘The younger generation seem to be using [sunbeds] more than the older generation which is concerning because If I got addicted without even realising it then the same could happen to other people.’

‘I find it hard to turn the sunbed off once I’m on.  I don’t even like going on sunbeds, I dread it, but I feel like I physically have to go on.’

Online trolls have described her as being like a ‘burnt chip’ and a ‘2p coin’.

One person said in regards to Megan’s tanned skin colour: ‘The chips that fell off the tray in the oven and I forgot about.’

Another added: ‘You know when you get those really dirty 2p coins.’

A third said: ‘Did [the sunbeds] cremate you?’

Reacting to the criticism, Megan said: ‘My family say I’m too dark. I see a lot of comments and online and I do care what people think.’

‘I’ve received hate through TikTok. I thought the video that went viral looked nice at the time and wondered why I received so much hate but now I realise why and that the video actually didn’t look nice at all.’

However, Megan has received some words of encouragement against the online abuse and support in her journey to ditch the sunbeds.

One person said: ‘You’re beautiful either way don’t let anyone tell you any different.’

Another added: ‘You’re gorgeous in every way possible. Don’t let anyone tell you different. So proud of you.’

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