Interest in cosmetic improvement as a marker for tanning behavior: a survey of 1602 respondents

Abstract

Dermatologists see many patients interested in improving their physical appearance through cosmetic procedures or medical means. Dermatologists frequently counsel patients on sun protection as well, particularly those with a personal or family history of skin cancer, sun-sensitive dermatoses or those with obvious sun damage. Our objective in this study was to identify novel markers of skin cancer risk which may aid dermatologists in targeting extra sun protection counseling for certain groups. A sixteen-question survey was distributed to subjects nineteen years of age and older in public areas of downtown Birmingham, Alabama in August and September of 2008. Overall, about 40% of both genders reported that they were highly concerned that current sun exposure could cause skin cancer. Participants interested in at least one appearance-related questionnaire item were significantly more likely than those not interested to rate tanned skin as highly important (31.6% vs 17.5%, p<0.001), and to report regret for previous sun exposure (12.5% vs 3.6%, p<0.001). Subjects who thought tanned skin was important were significantly more likely to report interest in improving their appearance through cosmetic procedures and medical means. We conclude that individuals with an interest in improving their physical appearance through cosmetic procedures or medical means may be especially in need of sun protection counseling.

A Study of the Relationships Between Tanning Methods and the Intention to Engage in Risky Appearance‐Related Behaviors

“…Frequent tanners, regardless of their tanning methods, also showed stronger intentions to undergo plastic surgery procedures, which potentially pose a high risk to a person's health. This comparison also supports the previous finding that frequent tanners in general are more interested in improving their physical appearance through cosmetic procedures or medical means (Cathcart et al., ). Habitual tanners considered plastic surgery as necessary for an improved body image and self‐esteem.…”

“…Cathcart et al. () found that tanned individuals were significantly more interested in all aspects of their appearance. For example, dermatologists indicated that tanned patients were more interested in improving their physical appearance through cosmetic procedures (Cathcart et al., ).…”

“…Tanning and Plastic Surgery Cathcart et al (2011) found that tanned individuals were significantly more interested in all aspects of their appearance. For example, dermatologists indicated that tanned patients were more interested in improving their physical appearance through cosmetic procedures (Cathcart et al, 2011). Tanned individuals tend to show higher intentions to seek plastic surgery (Mowen, Longoria, & Sallee, 2009).…”

Wrinkles, brown spots, and cancer: Relationship between appearance‐ and health‐based knowledge and sunscreen use

“…Even dermatology patients with a history of skin cancer fail to use sunscreen adequately . There is evidence that sunscreen use is associated with reduced photoaging, and newer data have shown that appearance‐based messages are more effective than health‐based messages in promoting daily sunscreen use . Appearance‐based skin health motivators have also been found among adults…”

Differential characteristics of incobotulinumtoxinA and its use in the management of glabellar frown lines

“…This conclusion has also been supported by the recent study by Moers-Carpi et al,47 and by the head-to-head study that demonstrates similar efficacy when incobotulinumtoxinA and onabotulinumtoxinA are applied using a 1:1 unit conversion ratio 48. However, higher doses can be appropriate for subjects, usually men, who tend to have a larger muscle mass,28 and consensus guidelines for the treatment of glabellar frown lines emphasize the need to individualize treatment, recommending onabotulinumtoxinA dose ranges of 10–30 U for women and 20–40 U for men for glabellar frown lines 15…”