Use Of Sunless Tanning Products Research Articles

Exogenous exposure to dihydroxyacetone mimics high fructose induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a three-carbon sugar that is the active ingredient in sunless tanning products and a by-product of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) combustion. Increased use of sunless tanning products and e-cigarettes has elevated exposures to DHA through inhalation and absorption. Studies have confirmed that DHA is rapidly absorbed into cells and can enter into metabolic pathways following phosphorylation to dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP), a product of fructose metabolism. Recent reports have suggested metabolic imbalance and cellular stress results from DHA exposures. However, the impact of elevated exposure to DHA on human health is currently under-investigated. We propose that exogenous exposures to DHA increase DHAP levels in cells and mimic fructose exposures to produce oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and gene and protein expression changes. Here, we review cell line and animal model exposures to fructose to highlight similarities in the effects produced by exogenous exposures to DHA. Given the long-term health consequences of fructose exposure, this review emphasizes the pressing need to further examine DHA exposures from sunless tanning products and e-cigarettes.

Attitudes and practice among dermatologists regarding indoor tanning.

The aim of this study was to explore dermatologists' practices and attitudes related to educating and counseling their adolescent patients about indoor tanning. An online survey was carried out with a convenience sample of 100 dermatologists. Findings indicated that the majority of the dermatologists are actively engaged in discussing tanning bed use and sun protection with their adolescent patients. Most expressed positive attitudes toward educating patients on the risks of tanning bed use. Limited time was the most commonly reported barrier for the lack of discussion regarding indoor tanning. Of note, more than half of the dermatologists (65%) had patients suffering from tanning addiction. For tanning-addicted patients, dermatologists can encourage lifestyle changes, the use of sunless tanning products, and referrals when the patient's needs extend beyond the scope of the dermatologist.

Understanding the attitudes toward sunless tanning product use: implication of tanning product consumption

The goal of this study is to test the antecedents of overall attitudes toward sunless tanning product use. The data collected from 302 US female college students with an average age of 20.11 were included in the analysis. A structural equation modeling was performed to test the hypothesized relationships. The results revealed that body surveillance and social ostracism influenced the individuals’ cutaneous body image dissatisfaction, which also influenced perceived attractiveness and fitness of tanned appearance. Perceived tanning attractiveness and perceived tanning physical fitness positively influences attitudes toward tanning product use. It is evident that seeing one’s own body through the lens of others is at the root of positive attitudes toward sunless tanning products. Positive attitudinal changes toward sunless tanning products can be successfully established emphasizing sunless tanning products as fashion consumption. The findings in this study have important relevance, in that tanning products can be marketed as cosmetic appearance-enhancement products for people to look attractive, toned, and fit.

Body-Tanning and Its Relationships to Weight Management and Plastic Surgery

This study explored the association between tanning behaviors and individuals’ intentions toexhibit unhealthy weight management behaviors and undergo plastic surgery. 353 female college studentswith an average age of 20.5 years participated in this study. Weight management behaviors (i.e., diet pilluse, diuretics use, and weight lifting) and plastic surgery (i.e., Botox and nose reshaping) were predictedby indoor tanning and the use of sunless tanning products. Health educators and practitioners need todevelop interventions and prevention programs about tanning, with an emphasis on healthy body images.

Sunless Tanning Product Use Among Young Adults as Related to their Prevention Behaviors Regarding Ultraviolet Radiation

Introduction: Sunless tanning products are a safe alternative to ultraviolet radiation for individuals seeking tanned skin. If used to replace ultraviolet (UV) tanning, these products have the potential to decrease UV exposure and thus skin cancer. Sun protective behaviors were characterized in a population reporting high importance of tanned skin.Methods: Young adults (N = 163) completed a self-administered questionnaire examining tanning attitudes, behaviors and beliefs along with lifetime use of tanning beds and sunless tanning products.Results: Among students surveyed, 34% reported ever using sunless tanning products. Ever users were more likely to be female (OR = 7.5), have fair skin (OR = 1.4), have used tanning beds greater than 50 times (OR = 2.5), used a larger amount of sunscreen (1.9) and have reapplied sunscreen when outside on a sunny day (OR = 1.8). Ever users of sunless tanning products who stated they preferred them because they are safer were also more likely to use a larger amount of sunscreen (OR = 2.1), reapply sunscreen on a sunny day (OR = 2.8) and try to avoid midday sun on a sunny day (OR = 2.1). However, other sun protection behaviors including increased frequency of sunscreen use, sitting in the shade or wearing hat were not more likely to be adopted by these participants.Conclusions: Prevention efforts should target females with frequent tanning exposure via both sunbathing and tanning bed use to increase their use of sunless tanning products in combination with sunscreen use and reapplication.

Prevalence and correlates of indoor tanning and sunless tanning product use among female teens in the United States

BackgroundIndoor tanning (IT) before the age of 35 increases melanoma risk by 75%. Nevertheless, IT and sunless tanning product (STP) use have gained popularity among youth. However, there are limited data on the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of both IT and STP use in a representative sample of American teens. MethodsTeenage females (N=778) aged 12–18years were recruited as part of an on-going longitudinal study conducted between May 2011 and May 2013. Descriptive statistics explored IT and STP usage in teen females at baseline. Logistic regression was used to determine sociodemographic correlates of IT and STP use. ResultsApproximately 16% of female teens engaged in IT behavior and 25% engaged in using STPs. Female teens living in non-metropolitan areas were 82% more likely to indoor tan compared to those in metropolitan areas (OR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.07–3.10). Age, geographic regions, and race increased the likelihood of IT and STP use. ConclusionsResults indicate a significant proportion of teen females engage in IT and STP use. There was evidence that in teens that have never used IT before, STP use precedes IT initiation. Given the evidence for increased IT in rural populations, research focused on rural tanning bed use is needed.

Body-tanning attitudes among female college students.

This study investigated the attitudes of body-tanning behaviors: suntanning, tanning bed, tanning spray, and sunless tanning product use. Data collected from 208 female college students (M age = 19.8 yr., SD = 2.0; M weight = 63.3 kg, SD = 2.0; M height = 165.9 cm, SD = 8.1) online. The questionnaire comprised four constructs: appearance-based, health-based, and emotion-based tanning attitudes, and body-tanning behaviors. Both appearance-based and emotion-based pro-tanning attitudes were associated with significantly higher body-tanning behaviors. However, health-based pro-tanning attitudes did not significantly affect body-tanning behaviors. The results from both UV- and non-UV exposure-related tanning behaviors provide future intervention strategies, such as establishing a positive body image without a tan and identifying negative emotional consequences as a result of tanning.

Perceived Negative Health Effect of Tanning

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the perceived negative health effect of tanning (PNHET) and body-tanning attitudes and behaviors. A total of 333 college students with an average age of 19.8 years participated in the study. A majority of the participants were female (80.2%) and Caucasian (76.9%). Three body-tanning attitudes emerged from the data: pleasurable activity, physical attractiveness, and healthy behavior. The PNHET was negatively related to all three body-tanning attitudes and methods of tanning behaviors used (i.e., sunbathing, tanning beds, and sunless tanning product use). However, specific body-tanning attitudes independently influence the methods of body-tanning behaviors. Pleasurable activity was a significant attitude influencing indoor and outdoor tanning. College students seek tanning beds and tanning products, particularly when physical attractiveness is concerned. Healthy behavioral attitudes exist for outdoor tanning. Intervention strategies regarding body-tanning behaviors should focus on attitudinal changes, which specifically involve ultraviolet (UV) ray exposure. Educating the public about the negative health effects of tanning is still a very important intervention strategy to help individuals avoid excessive amount of harmful UV exposure and resultant skin cancer. Body-tanning behaviors, as a part of consumer culture, should change to minimize these unhealthy behaviors.

Perceived Risk of Sunless Tanning Product Use and Its Relationship to Body Satisfaction

The goal of this study is to explore consumer risk-perceptions and body satisfaction in relation to sunless tanning product consumption. Sunless tanning products provide the public with an alternative means of obtaining a tan. However, few studies have explored issues related to fake tanning lotions from the consumer perspective. Previous studies have not yet provided any clear answers about the risk-perceptions of using sunless tanning products, nor have they examined the impact on their body satisfaction. As sunless tanning has gained in popularity, this phenomenon warrants further inquiry. The data were collected from 267 (59 male; 208 female) college students with an average age of 19.92. 77.60% were Caucasian, followed by Hispanic/Latino (6.80), Asian-American (4.60%), and others (4.20%). A self-administered online survey was developed and a structural analysis was conducted. Based on the six risk-perceptions tested as predictors of sunless tanning product consumption, functional, social and financial risk significantly influenced product consumption, whereas psychological, physical and time risk were not significant. In general, sunless tanning product consumption directly influenced body satisfaction. The findings suggest that the quality of a tan perceived by an individual, others’ evaluations of a tanned appearance, and the cost of producing a tan are important variables for marketers—as well as health professionals—to consider.

A Cross-sectional Study Examining the Correlation Between Sunless Tanning Product Use and Tanning Beliefs and Behaviors

To establish the effect of sunless tanning products on tanning behaviors and to determine characteristics of sunless tanning product users. A cross-sectional survey study conducted between May 30, 2007, and December 4, 2007. The Emory University campus and surrounding locations in Atlanta, Georgia. Four hundred fifteen community and university-affiliated women. Self-reported use of sunless tanning products and UV radiation tanning methods. Forty-eight percent of participants had used sunless tanning products, 70.6% had tanned in the sun, and 26.0% had used tanning beds at least once in the past year. Most participants (92.7%) believed that tanned skin is more attractive than untanned skin, and 79.2% reported feeling better about themselves when tan. Many sunless tanning product users reported decreased frequency of tanning in the sun (36.8%) or in tanning beds (38%) because of product use. Frequent users were more likely to have decreased their UV radiation exposure. Lighter complexion, frequent use of UV radiation tanning methods, feeling better about oneself when tan, and having a history of skin cancer were independently associated with sunless tanning product use. The desire for tanned skin remains strong despite growing awareness of the dangers of UV radiation exposure. In some women, sunless tanning product use is associated with decreased UV radiation tanning frequency, especially in women who use them repeatedly. Improvements in the appearance of sunless tanning product tans may allow wider acceptance by the public and further decreases in UV radiation tanning practices.

Harm minimization in tan seekers: An exploration of tanning behaviour and the potential for substitutional use of sunless tanning products

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or solaria is a major contributor to high rates of skin cancer. The study aimed to explore the intentions of active tan seekers in relation to the substitutional use of sunless tanning products. Participants were reluctant to reduce UV exposure in favour of using sunless tanning products, which were considered to be another tanning method rather than an avenue for reducing skin cancer risk. The 'sunless tan' approach is unlikely to reduce UV exposure in the majority of tan seekers, but may be valuable in targeting women with fairer skin.

Use of Sunless Tanning Products Among US Adolescents Aged 11 to 18 Years

To describe the prevalence and correlates of the use of sunless tanning products among US adolescents and their association with UV radiation exposure behaviors, including indoor tanning, sunburn experiences, and use of sunscreen while outdoors. Telephone-based, random-digit-dialed, cross-sectional survey conducted from July 1 through October 30, 2004. Telephone-accessible households with resident adolescents living with parents or caregivers in the mainland United States. Nationally representative, population-based sample of 1600 adolescents aged 11 to 18 years and their caregivers. Prevalence of recent (past-year) use of sunless tanning products and UV radiation exposure behaviors. The prevalence of self-reported use of sunless tanning products in the past year among US adolescents was 10.8%. Adolescent users of these products were more likely to be older and female, to perceive a tanned appearance as desirable, to have a parent or caregiver who used sunless tanning products, and to hold positive beliefs or attitudes about these products. Use of sunless tanning products was independently associated with indoor tanning and higher frequency of sunburn but not with use of sunscreen. Among US adolescents, 10.8% used sunless tanning products in the past year; this practice was associated with risky UV radiation exposure-related behaviors. Adolescents, therefore, must be educated about these products and the importance of avoiding indoor tanning and practicing sun-protective behaviors.

The Sunless Study

To examine the impact of a skin cancer prevention intervention that promoted sunless tanning as a substitute for sunbathing. Randomized controlled trial. Public beaches in Massachusetts. Women (N = 250) were recruited to participate in the study during their visit to a public beach. Intervention The intervention included motivational messages to use sunless tanning as an alternative to UV tanning, instructions for proper use of sunless tanning products, attractive images of women with sunless tans, a free trial of a sunless tanning product, skin cancer education, and UV imaging. The control participants completed surveys. The primary outcome was sunbathing 2 months and 1 year after the intervention. Secondary outcomes included sunburns, sun protection use, and sunless tanning. At 2 months, intervention participants reduced their sunbathing significantly more than did controls and reported significantly fewer sunburns and greater use of protective clothing. At 1 year, intervention participants reported significant decreases in sunbathing and increases in sunless tanning relative to control participants but no differences in the other outcomes. This intervention, which promoted sunless tanning as an alternative to UV tanning, had a short-term effect on sunbathing, sunburns, and use of protective clothing and a longer-term effect on sunbathing and sunless tanning. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00403377.

Tanning behaviour among young frequent tanners is related to attitudes and not lack of knowledge about the dangers

OBJECTIVE: To examine the importance of tanning among students in relation to attitudes and knowledge regarding skin cancer prevention. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. SETTING: College students at a major Midwestern university METHODS: Students were recruited to complete a self-administered questionnaire that included information on sun-sensitivity, knowledge and tanning attitudes and behaviors. Survey sampling statistical techniques that account for clustering among the 163 students recruited were used. RESULTS: We found a high level of skin cancer prevention knowledge; however knowledge was not related to a reduction in the importance of tanning. In many cases, higher levels of knowledge corresponded to a greater emphasis on the importance of tanning. Sunscreen use was low among this population. Those who placed an importance on tanning more often checked that they believed that "sunless tanning creams are safer than the sun". CONCLUSIONS: This population's belief that they look healthier and feel better with a tan strongly influences the desire to tan. Therefore, future cancer information campaigns or other prevention efforts should directly address the desire to tan by encouraging the use of sunless tanning products as an alternative method of tanning.

Design and methods for a cluster randomized trial of the Sunless Study: A skin cancer prevention intervention promoting sunless tanning among beach visitors

BackgroundSkin cancer is the most prevalent yet most preventable cancer in the US. While protecting oneself from ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can largely reduce risk, rates of unprotected sun exposure remain high. Because the desire to be tan often outweighs health concerns among sunbathers, very few interventions have been successful at reducing sunbathing behavior. Sunless tanning (self-tanners and spray tans), a method of achieving the suntanned look without UVR exposure, might be an effective supplement to prevention interventions.Methods and DesignThis cluster randomized trial will examine whether a beach-based intervention that promotes sunless tanning as a substitute for sunbathing and includes sun damage imaging and sun safety recommendations is superior to a questionnaire only control group in reducing sunbathing frequency. Female beach visitors (N = 250) will be recruited from 2 public beaches in eastern Massachusetts. Beach site will be the unit of randomization. Follow-up assessment will occur at the end of the summer (1-month following intervention) and 1 year later. The primary outcome is average sunbathing time per week. The study was designed to provide 90% power for detecting a difference of .70 hours between conditions (standard deviation of 2.0) at 1-year with an intra-cluster correlation coefficient of 0.01 and assuming a 25% rate of loss to follow-up. Secondary outcomes include frequency of sunburns, use of sunless tanning products, and sun protection behavior.DiscussionInterventions might be improved by promoting behavioral substitutes for sun exposure, such as sunless tanners, that create a tanned look without exposure to UVR.Trial registrationNCT00403377

Prevalence of sunless tanning product use and related behaviors among adults in the United States: Results from a national survey

Little is known about the use of sunless tanning products in the United States. This report describes the prevalence and correlates of sunless tanning use, comparing exclusive sunless tanners, exclusive indoor tanners, both sunless and indoor tanners, and non-tanners with respect to sociodemographic and sun protection behaviors.