Current Versus Ideal Skin Tones and Tanning Behaviors in Caucasian College Women

Abstract

The data suggest that the young Caucasian women in this sample tend to be dissatisfied with their current skin tone to an extent that leads the majority of them to engage in risky, potentially cancer-causing behavior by either salon tanning or considering tanning in the future as time and finances become available.

Skin Cancer Risk-Lowering Behaviors and Skincare Habits of Youth Ages 18-25 Years

“…These high rates of tanning before the age of 30 can lead to eight times higher incidence rate of melanoma. Hemrich et al (2014) observed knowledge of the harmful effects of tanning did not deter young women from tanning. Interventions for those that regularly tan should focus on building confidence in one's current appearance rather than attempting to scare out of tanning.…”

“…There is a correlation between use of tanning beds and incidence of malignant melanoma. Hemrich et al (2014) found that majority of salon tanners were aware of their increased risk for skin cancer, yet they continued this behavior. Many people who had family members diagnosed with a deadly form of skin cancer continued to tan.…”

“…A majority of frequent and infrequent tanners of all skin tones desired a skin tone several shades darker than their current skin tone (Hemrich et al, 2014). Sixty-two percent of women between the ages of 18 and 26 endorsed going to a tanning salon at least once a week with an average of two and a half times a week.…”

“…Sun-protective behaviors were associated with higher education levels and family history of skin cancer (Day et al, 2013). Hemrich et al (2014) found that more than 30 million Americans used tanning salons at least once each year. Seventy percent of those who did were women between the ages of 16-49 years.…”

“…This was considered a tanning version of substance dependence. Forty percent of Caucasian and Hispanic women in their twenties had used a tanning bed at least three times a day (Hemrich et al, 2014).…”