Queensland fails to crack down on ‘rebranded sunbed’ that claims to stimulate collagen but accelerates ageing

Collarium or ‘pink light’ sunbeds are often falsely marketed as safe despite the ban on commercial solariums in all Australian states and territories except the Northern Territory. Photograph: Martin Diebel/Getty Images/fStop

Queensland Department of Health investigators are struggling to prosecute sunbed operators claiming the devices are “safe” because inspectors do not have the necessary UV detection equipment, and because services are being advertised on private social media accounts.

Guardian Australia called and messaged several wellness clinics and individuals operating out of their homes throughout New South Wales and Queensland, confirming that businesses are offering “collarium” treatments with rates starting at $25 for 20 minutes of use. Some of these businesses did not explicitly advertise collariums on their social media pages or websites but did offer collarium bookings over the phone.