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Appearance-based vs health-based sun protective messages: A randomized, double-blind controlled study.
Judy Cheng1, Rafael Widjajahakim1, Susruthi Rajanala2
1Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.
Appearance-based messages effectively improved sun protection intentions in Hispanic and White patients. This approach was particularly successful for younger individuals and those who find tanned skin attractive.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Appearance-based messages show potential for improving sun protection habits, primarily studied in Caucasian populations.
- Research on these interventions is limited in Hispanic populations, where cosmetic concerns like hyperpigmentation are common.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of appearance-based versus health-based messages for sun protection in an ethnic patient group.
- To address the prevalence of cosmetically concerning hyperpigmentation disorders in this population.
Main Methods:
- 137 patients were randomized to view images related to skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, or wrinkles.
- Analysis of variance tests for repeated measures assessed the impact of stimuli on knowledge and intention to sun protect.
Main Results:
- Appearance-based interventions significantly improved sun protection intentions in both Hispanic and non-Hispanic White participants (P < 0.05).
- These messages were more effective in younger patients (≤40 years) and individuals who perceive tanned skin as attractive (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Appearance-based sun damage images were more effective than health-based messages for Hispanic patients.
- Younger populations and those valuing tanned appearances showed greater positive responses to appearance-based interventions.

