Beth Brown, a 30-year-old flight attendant from Weymouth, Dorset, developed a hole in her face after a six-year weekly sunbed habit and no sunscreen use led to basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common skin cancer in the UK, affecting 75,000 people annually.
Starting at age 22, Brown used sunbeds for 20 minutes at a time and avoided SPF, seeking a perfect tan for her jet-setting job. She frequently sunbathed on beaches and by pools. In 2024, a small red patch appeared on her face, which she dismissed as eczema. Despite trying E45 and Sudocrem, the patch grew flaky and crusty.
Diagnosis and Treatment
By October 2025, the patch was no longer concealable with makeup. After her boyfriend's mother, a GP, suggested BCC, Brown sought medical help. Tests confirmed the diagnosis. 'I was so shocked, I hadn’t realised the extent of what could happen from not wearing sun cream and using sun beds,' she said.
Her mother also checked and was diagnosed with BCC. After a six-month wait, Brown had the tumour removed on May 17, 2026. She chose to leave the wound open instead of a skin graft, resulting in a hole in her face. 'I’d told my work I’d be back the next day as I thought I’d just have a little stitch, but I walked out with a hole in my face,' she said.
Recovery and Regret
Brown took a month off work, attending weekly hospital appointments for wound redressing. Her skin is now healed but sensitive. She has stopped using sunbeds and now uses SPF 50 daily. 'I wear SPF every day now, I can’t imagine going outside without putting it on my face,' she said.
She regrets her past habits: 'I was very naïve, I thought it would never happen to me. I definitely regret using sun beds now.' She warns others that tanning without protection is dangerous. 'On social media, being tanned is portrayed as being cool, but it’s quite sad really, as actually you are damaging your skin.'
Raising Awareness
Brown hopes to educate others, especially young women, about the risks. 'I just want to help other girls and raise awareness that it is more common than you think, and it could happen to you,' she said. She emphasizes that tanning is possible with sunscreen and advises sitting in the shade, wearing hats, and using SPF.
