Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Contextual factors, indoor tanning, and tanning dependence in young women
Carolyn J Heckman1, Susan D Darlow2, Jacqueline D Kloss3
1Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA. carolyn.heckman@fccc.edu.
Objectives:
To investigate the association of contextual factors such as cost, tanning accessibility, regulations, or marketing and indoor tanning or tanning dependence.
Methods:
One hundred thirty-nine college-aged female indoor tanners completed a questionnaire between 2009 and 2011.
Results:
Higher scores on tanning dependence and assessment in the spring/summer (versus the fall/winter) were associated with more frequent indoor tanning in the last 30 days (ps < .05). More frequent indoor tanning, greater session length, and more trouble paying for tanning were associated with higher scores on tanning dependence (ps < .05).
Conclusions:
Public health research and practice could benefit from attention to such contextual factors as tanning cost and regulations regarding session length.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Dependence
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Acne Infection
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis
The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin...

