Women Who Use Sunless Tanning Products Spend Less Time In The Sun

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Academic Journal
Main Category: Dermatology
Also Included In: Women's Health / Gynecology
Article Date: 05 Jan 2012 - 9:00 PST

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According to a study published Online First by Archives of Dermatology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals, a survey of young women indicates that those who use sunless tanning products spent less time tanning in the sun or under UV lamps, especially those who use sunless tanning products a lot.

The researchers explain:

"Despite the growing popularity of sunless tanning products (STPs), their effect on tanning behaviors has yet to be fully explored. Although some studies have supported the use of STPs as an acceptable substitute for UV radiation (UVR) tanning methods (tanning bed use and sunbathing), others have raised concerns that promoting the use of STPs may encourage, rather than lessen, intentional UVR exposure."

In order to analyze the use of sunless tanning products and tanning behaviors, and to find out characteristics of those who use these products, Rachel E. Sahn, M.D., from Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, and her team surveyed women aged 18+ between May 20, 2007 and December 4, 2007 on the Emory University campus and surrounding community areas.

48.4% of the 415 women surveyed reported using STPs at least one time in the past year. The majority of those who used STPs said they used self-applied products, while 9% reported having STPs professionally applied most of the time. Women in all age groups reported using STPs:

• 53.6% of women aged 18 to 25 years old
• 40.7% of women aged 26 to 40 years old
• 41.4% of women over 40 years

Overall, 70.6% of survey respondents reported sunbathing, 25.3% said they used both tanning beds and sunbathed at least one time in the past year, and 26% reported using a tanning bed. 36.8% of those who reported STP use in addition to sunbathing claimed they spent less time in the sun as a result of using STP. In addition, 38% of those who reported using tanning beds as well as STP, said they have decreased their tanning bed use.

The researchers discovered that using STP more frequently was connected with decreased UV radiation tanning behavior, and women who use these products at least 5 times in the past year were more likely to have reduced the amount of time they spend in the sun (52.4% vs. 18.4%) and frequency of tanning bed use (51.5% vs. 23.8%) compared to women who used STPs less frequently.

According to 92.7% of the women surveyed, tanned skin is sometimes to always more attractive than un-tanned skin. 79.2% of respondents claimed they sometimes to always felt better about themselves when they have a tan. In addition, the team discovered fairer skin, feeling better about oneself when tan, frequent use of UV radiation tanning methods, and history of skin cancer were individually connected with use of STPs.

The researchers conclude:

"The desire for tanned skin remains strong despite growing awareness of the dangers of UV radiation exposure. This study provides promising data suggesting that as the appearance of sunless tanning product tans continues to be improved, sunless tanning products carry the potential to further decrease the intentional UV radiation exposure and, subsequently, the risk of UV radiation-related skin cancer."

Written by Grace Rattue
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

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