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The effect of sunless tanning on behavior in the sun: a pilot study
Daniel J Sheehan1, Jack L Lesher
1Section of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30904, USA.
Background:
In the United States, indoor tanning is a booming industry and contributes to the ultraviolet light (UVL) burden that ultimately leads to skin cancer. "Sunless" tanning methods that avoid UVL exposure may represent a safe alternative. However, the effects of sunless tanning methods on ultraviolet light-related behaviors have never been investigated.
Methods:
Anonymous survey of 121 individuals who underwent a spray-on sunless tanning treatment between February and May 2004.
Results:
Women completed 107 surveys. Men completed 14 surveys. The majority of individuals reported that they had not or would not change their time spent outdoors or their sunscreen use as a result of undergoing sunless tanning. However, 73% of individuals who had used UVL tanning beds said they had decreased or would decrease their UVL tanning bed use.
Conclusion:
Sunless tanning is associated with a self-reported decrease in traditional UVL tanning bed use among tanning bed users. Physicians should advocate the use of sunless tanning to their patients who use traditional UVL tanning beds as a means of decreasing their UVL exposure and cancer risk.
