Sunless Tanning Product Use Among Young Adults as Related to their Prevention Behaviors Regarding Ultraviolet Radiation

Abstract

Introduction: Sunless tanning products are a safe alternative to ultraviolet radiation for individuals seeking tanned skin. If used to replace ultraviolet (UV) tanning, these products have the potential to decrease UV exposure and thus skin cancer. Sun protective behaviors were characterized in a population reporting high importance of tanned skin. Methods: Young adults (N=163) completed a self-administered questionnaire examining tanning attitudes, behaviors and beliefs along with lifetime use of tanning beds and sunless tanning products. Results: Among students surveyed, 34% reported ever using sunless tanning products. Ever users were more likely to be female (OR=7.5), have fair skin (OR=1.4), have used tanning beds greater than 50 times (OR=2.5), used a larger amount of sunscreen (1.9) and have reapplied sunscreen when outside on a sunny day (OR=1.8). Ever users of sunless tanning products who stated they preferred them because they are safer were also more likely to use a larger amount of sunscreen (OR=2.1), reapply sunscreen on a sunny day (OR=2.8) and try to avoid midday sun on a sunny day (OR=2.1). However, other sun protection behaviors including increased frequency of sunscreen use, sitting in the shade or wearing hat were not more likely to be adopted by these participants. Conclusions: Prevention efforts should target females with frequent tanning exposure via both sunbathing and tanning bed use to increase their use of sunless tanning products in combination with sunscreen use and reapplication.