12953 The growth of the tanning business in the United States, 2009-2019

Abstract

Despite its strong association with skin cancer indoor tanning remains popular. It consists of use of ultraviolet (UV) emitting devices, also known as tanning beds, and sunless tanning (spray tans and lotions). We sought to describe the trends in the business of indoor tanning in the United States from 2009 to 2019. Data were obtained from IBISworld.com. In 2019, there were 13,748 tanning salons in the United States. The number of tanning salons showed a short decline for years 2009-2011. After 2011, there was a 3% increase per year in the number of tanning salons until 2019 (β = 289 establishments, CI 175-402, P < .01). Through years 2009-2019, there was a total increase of 27% in consumer spending in tanning salons. (β = 326 $, CI 270-382, P < .01). In 2018, consumers aged 18-29 represented the largest group of indoor tanning patrons by revenue (30%). We obtained data from Google Trends to present the interest in tanning from 2004-2019. The interest for “tanning bed” was higher than for “spray tan” in 2004. Interest for “spray tan,” but not for “tanning bed” showed a significant increase overtime (β = 0.11, CI 0.09-0.13, P < .01). After 2011, the total search volume was greater for “spray tan.” Every year, searches for “tanning bed” and “spray tan” peaked in spring, while for “sunscreen” in June. Given the fact that people are still pursuing a tan, this is potentially a positive step and hopefully tanning beds can be reduced.