Appearance‐based vs health‐based sun protective messages: A randomized, double‐blind controlled study

Abstract

Summary Background Appearance‐based messages have shown promise in improving sun protection habits among Caucasians but have scarcely been investigated in Hispanic populations. Objective To compare the effectiveness of appearance‐based vs health‐based messages in an ethnic patient population, where hyperpigmentation disorders are prevalent and often cosmetically concerning. Methods One hundred thirty‐seven patients were randomized to receive images of (a) skin cancer, (b) hyperpigmentation, or (c) wrinkles. Analysis of variance tests for repeated measures were used to estimate the effects of the different stimuli on participants’ knowledge and intention to sun protect. Results Appearance‐based interventions were more effective in improving intentions to sun protect among both Hispanics and non‐Hispanic Whites (P < 0.05). They were furthermore more effective among younger patient populations (≤40 years old) and patients who thought that a tanned appearance is attractive (P < 0.05). Conclusions Appearance‐based photos of sun damage were more effective than health‐based messages among Hispanics, younger patient populations, and those who find tanned appearances to be attractive.

The effect of patient characteristics on illness perception and sun protection behaviors in melasma

“…11,[19][20][21] Some recent studies have shown that young people are more prone to protect themselves from the sun due to the increasing cosmetic concerns and preventing photoaging. [22][23][24][25] Sunscreen use is higher among women, people with a higher education level and younger than 65 years, but paradoxically sunbathing/tanning habits were also found higher in women. 11 In a recent study about the relation between the primary spoken language (native or non-native) and the sun-related behaviors in adults with sun exacerbated dermatoses, it was reported that those who used sunscreen and had higher level of education were more likely to know their illness when compared to patients who did not.…”

Impact of Social Media on Skin Cancer Prevention

“…Physicians, scientists, and health care workers should form alliances with technology companies to develop creative ways to use social media to influence people with the right messages. It is crucial to develop messages that shift norms about ideals of appearance around a more healthy appearance rather than merely a beautiful appearance [ 40 ]. It is also important to consider the content of these messages; image-based messages appear to be more effective for skin cancer prevention [ 41 ].…”

An analysis of sunscreen‐related hashtags on Instagram

“…Our identification of strategies for reaching a greater audience within Instagram is made even more important by De La Garza et al’s conclusion that Instagram can have a strong impact on users’ sun‐protective behaviors, 3 and Cheng et al's finding that young female Instagram users have been shown to exhibit indoor tanning behaviors, demonstrating a need for sun protection education within this population 3,4 …”

“…photo posts can only be accessed by the public depending on the user's permission settings.Our identification of strategies for reaching a greater audience within Instagram is made even more important by De La Garza et al's conclusion that Instagram can have a strong impact on users' sun-protective behaviors,3 and Cheng et al's finding that young female Instagram users have been shown to exhibit indoor tanning behaviors, demonstrating a need for sun protection education within this population 3,4. Further substantiating the need for dermatologist representation on Instagram is social media's ability to quickly disseminate false information 5.…”

“…However, Cheng et al speculate that the majority of sunscreen-related posts created by influencers may be explained by appearance-based motivations 4. Dermatologists may therefore reach greater audiences by appealing to appearance-based motivations, as the Instagram community has expressed a strong interest in maintaining a youthful appearance 4. However, further studies are needed.Limitations include using social media as a data collection tool, in that, these data are dynamic and generated daily.…”