Attitudes and predictors of sunless tanning in a sample of young adults

Abstract

Author(s): Anderson, Chelsea; Cartmel, Brenda; Mayne, Susan T; Ferrucci, Leah M | Abstract: Given the popularity of a tan appearance, sunless tanning may play a role in skin cancer prevention as a substitute for ultraviolet (UV) tanning. Few studies have comprehensively assessed attitudes toward sunless tanning or predictors of use.Demographic, phenotypic, and lifestyle characteristics were ascertained during in-person interviews of 385 non-Hispanic whites (75 sessions vs no indoor tanning OR=3.30, 95% CI=1.52-7.16), a tendency to burn with first summer sun exposure (OR=1.89, 95% CI=1.03-3.47), higher public body consciousness (OR=1.09, 95%CI=1.02-1.18), and believing sunless tanning was useful for tanning when weather is not optimal for sunbathing (OR=5.08, 95% CI=2.11-12.22).Results suggest young adults find sunless tanning to be an acceptable method of achieving a tanned appearance. Sunless tanning may prove useful in reducing UV exposure, particularly among females who engage in sunbathing or indoor tanning.