The Effect of Sunless Tanning on Behavior in the Sun: A Pilot Study

Abstract

In the United States, indoor tanning is a booming industry and contributes to the ultraviolet light (UVL) burden that ultimately leads to skin cancer. "Sunless" tanning methods that avoid UVL exposure may represent a safe alternative. However, the effects of sunless tanning methods on ultraviolet light-related behaviors have never been investigated. Anonymous survey of 121 individuals who underwent a spray-on sunless tanning treatment between February and May 2004. Women completed 107 surveys. Men completed 14 surveys. The majority of individuals reported that they had not or would not change their time spent outdoors or their sunscreen use as a result of undergoing sunless tanning. However, 73% of individuals who had used UVL tanning beds said they had decreased or would decrease their UVL tanning bed use. Sunless tanning is associated with a self-reported decrease in traditional UVL tanning bed use among tanning bed users. Physicians should advocate the use of sunless tanning to their patients who use traditional UVL tanning beds as a means of decreasing their UVL exposure and cancer risk.