Skin cancer risk and tanning in pageant contestants

Abstract

Since tanned skin may be perceived as a marker of beauty in American pageant culture, we evaluated pageant contestants regarding motivations for tanning, skin care behaviors, and possible tanning addiction. Responses were analyzed via summary statistics and compared across Fitzpatrick skin types. Statistically significant differences were found between skin types regarding tanning frequency, feelings of attractiveness after tanning, and perceptions of elevated mood after tanning. Contestants also demonstrated limited skin care behaviors; nearly 70% of respondents examined their skin for moles less than monthly. Of all respondents, 34% met tanning-modified Cut–Annoyed–Guilty–Eye-opener (CAGE) criteria, suggesting possible tanning addiction. This study raises several considerations regarding the possible addictive nature of tanning and the importance of skin safety in the pageant population.