A teenager from County Durham has spoken out about her struggle with sunbed use, saying she feels unable to quit despite noticing worrying changes in her skin.

Megan Blain, now 19, says her reliance on tanning began at 16 and quickly developed into a daily habit that impacted both her routine and wellbeing.

How It Started

According to Megan Blain, her first experience with a sunbed gave her an immediate boost in confidence.

What began as an occasional habit soon escalated, with the teenager reportedly using sunbeds for extended sessions and combining them with other tanning methods.

Over time, she says the routine became something she depended on to feel comfortable leaving the house.

When It Became an Addiction

Blain described how her need to maintain a tan began to affect her daily life.

She claims she avoided social events, including her own prom, because she did not feel “tanned enough,” highlighting how deeply the habit influenced her decisions.

“It wasn’t even about looking good anymore,” she said. “It felt like something I needed just to function.”

Health Concerns Begin to Appear

The situation became more serious when she noticed changes in her skin, including moles that appeared, disappeared, or changed shape.

Despite recognizing these warning signs, she admitted she initially ignored them due to her dependence on tanning.

Medical guidance states that changes in moles can be an important early indicator of skin cancer and should always be checked by a professional.

Why Sunbeds Are Risky

Sunbeds expose the skin to ultraviolet radiation, which can damage skin cells and significantly increase the risk of skin cancer.

Health experts estimate that a large proportion of melanoma cases are linked to UV exposure.

Common warning signs include moles that change in size, shape, or color, as well as new or unusual skin growths.

Trying to Cut Back

Blain says she is now attempting to reduce her sunbed use, cutting down significantly compared to previous habits.

However, she admits that quitting completely has been difficult, describing it as a slow and ongoing process.

She has also spoken about the negative comments she receives online, adding another layer of pressure to her situation.

The Bigger Picture

While not formally classified as a medical addiction in the same way as substance use, experts acknowledge that behaviors like excessive tanning can become compulsive and linked to self-esteem issues.

This case highlights how habits tied to appearance can sometimes develop into deeper psychological challenges.