Sunless Tanning Products Research Articles

Dihydroxyacetone induces G2/M arrest and apoptotic cell death in A375P melanoma cells.

The active ingredient in sunless tanning products (STPs) is a simple sugar, dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Several studies have demonstrated that DHA is absorbed within the viable layers of skin and not fully contained within the stratum corneum. Additionally, spray tanning and other aerosolized application methods have increased the risk of internal exposure through mucous membranes and inhalation. Beyond its presence in STPs, DHA also occurs as an endogenous by-product of fructose metabolism, and an excess of DHA in cells can induce advanced glycation end (AGE) products and oxidative stress. Therefore, exogenous and endogenous exposures to DHA may be harmful to cells, and it has already been demonstrated that exogenous exposure to DHA is cytotoxic in immortalized keratinocytes. Still, little is known about the exogenous DHA exposure effects on other skin components. In this study, we explore the effects of exogenous DHA exposure in a human melanoma cell line, A375P. Melanoma cells were sensitive to DHA and displayed a transient burst of reactive oxygen species within an hour of exposure. Cell cycle arrest at G2/M was observed within 24 h of exposure, and apoptosis, monitored by the cleavage of PARP-1 and Caspase-3, was detected within 72 h of exposure to DHA. Together, these demonstrate that exogenous exposure to DHA has cytotoxic effects in our selected cell model and indicates the need to further investigate the exogenous exposure effects of DHA in other relevant exposure models.

The influence of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) contained in the self-tanning lotions with human skin – spectroscopic and theoretical studies

The purpose of this study was to investigate selected properties of eight bronzers differing in consistency and dihydroxyacetone (DHA) content. The investigated bronzers were divided into three groups including: liquid sunless tanning products containing DHA level of about 15%, half-liquid self-tanners (spray or foam), and bronzers in the form of a cream. The products from the two latter groups contained about 5% DHA. This study inspected if self-tanners have the ability to absorb UV radiation. The aim of using infrared spectroscopy was to investigate the influence of self-tanners on skin moisture level. During the study, quantum-mechanical calculations were done. The calculations were related to computer-based modeling of DHA permeability through the beta-keratin layer of the skin. The calculations were also done to estimate hydrogen bond energy between chains of the beta-keratin as well as the surface of the crystallized beta-keratin surface. The results indicated that DHA absorbed UV-C radiation very strong, whereas UV-B radiation was absorbed to a lower degree. The least absorbancy was discovered in the UV-A range. Liquid and, partly, half-liquid self-tanners reduced skin moisture; however, products in the form of cream contained moisturizing substances that neutralize the negative effect of DHA on skin hydration. In silico studies indicated that DHA does not permeate through the beta-keratin layer of the skin. Potential reasons for this may be the large energy of hydrogen bonds and charged beta-keratin surface.

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.

Testing a Social Cognitive Theory-Based Model of Indoor Tanning: Implications for Skin Cancer Prevention Messages

The lack of a theory-based understanding of indoor tanning is a major impediment to the development of effective messages to prevent or reduce this behavior. This study applied the Comprehensive Indoor Tanning Expectations (CITE) scale in an analysis of indoor tanning behavior among sorority women (total N = 775). Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that CITE positive and negative expectations were robust, multidimensional factors and that a hierarchical structure fit the data well. Social cognitive theory-based structural equation models demonstrated that appearance-oriented variables were significantly associated with outcome expectations. Outcome expectations were, in turn, significantly associated with temptations to tan, intention to tan indoors, and indoor tanning behavior. The implications of these findings for the development of messages to prevent and reduce indoor tanning behavior are discussed in two domains: (a) messages that attempt to change broader societal perceptions about tan skin, and (b) messages that focus more narrowly on indoor tanning—challenging positive expectations, enhancing negative expectations, and encouraging substitution of sunless tanning products.

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.

Design and characterization of Thermotoga maritima glycerol dehydrogenase to reduce inactivation by Dihydroxyacetone

Enzyme catalysis for production of commercially useful compounds is a competitive alternative to traditional chemical synthesis. Thermotoga maritima glycerol dehydrogenase (TmGlyDH) is a potential industrial enzyme for the production of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient of sunless tanning products, from glycerol. Our studies showed that TmGlyDH loses up to 40% of activity when incubated with 200 mM DHA at 50°C for 15 min, with inactivation roughly fitting an exponential decay model. Inactivation likely occurs by the Maillard reaction, where DHA reacts with the amino acids lysine and arginine forming a Schiff base then undergoing rearrangements. Intact and inactivated proteins were digested with trypsin and chymotrypsin and fifteen modified residues were identified by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The targeted Lys and Arg residues were substituted with Gln by site‐directed mutagenesis of the TmGlyDH gene. Mutants were expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3), and purified. We will report on the mutant enzymes’ activity and their resistance to inactivation by DHA.This project was supported by an MSU Honors College Professorial Assistantship and MSU Lyman Briggs College Undergraduate Research Support to PGG, by a US Department of Education GAANN fellowship to JB, and by NSF grant CBET 0756703 and USDA CSREES National Research Initiative grant 2008–35504‐04611 to CV.

French teenagers and artificial tanning

Exposure to solar and artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiations is a major risk factor for skin cancers. France has enacted one of the strictest laws that, notably, restrict tanning-bed access to adults ≥18 years old. We evaluated artificial tanning behaviours of French teenagers (11-17 years old): sunless-tanning products, sunlamps and artificial tanning beds. An anonymous questionnaire evaluating sunburn history, skin phototype, behaviours with sunless-tanning products and indoor tanning, and parents' behaviours was distributed to students enrolled in two middle and high schools in Antony, a typical city of the middle class French population, located in the Paris suburbs. RESULTS Among 713 teenagers (mean age: 13.5 years: male/female: 1.1) responding, more than half declared that it was important to be tanned during the summer, 1% reported having already used tanning pills, 9.9% tanning creams and 1.4% indoor tanning. Female teenagers significantly more frequently resorted to indoor tanning (P = 0.02), cited the importance of being tanned all year long (P < 0.0001), used tanning pills (P < 0.0001) or tanning creams (P < 0.006), and their parents relied on indoor tanning (P < 0.0001). Profiles of tanning-pill and -cream users were similar. Mean ages for the two groups were comparable. French regulations for indoor tanning seem quite effective. Our analyses revealed a typical teenager profile with sun-exposure risk behaviours, for example, indoor tanning, and use of tanning pills or creams. They could be a selective target for sun-protection information campaigns.

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.

Attitudes Toward Indoor Tanning Among Users of Sunless Tanning Products

Attitudes Toward Indoor Tanning Among Users of Sunless Tanning Products

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.

Sunless tanning product from green coffee beans

The purpose of this study was to develop sunless tanning products from natural source, avoiding skin risk from sunbath and synthetic chemical. The Maillard or browning reaction, to form brown-black compounds called melanoidins was the principal of this product. Chlorogenic acid, which was extracted from green coffee beans, was brought to the change the colour of keratin in stratum corneum. It was studied that concentration of reacting color directly varied to chlorogenic acid concentration (the more concentration of chlorogenic acid, the more keratin color changed, from light brown to dark brown, with 95% confidence). The green coffee beans used in the study were Robusta (Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner, syn. C. robusta L. Linden), and were extracted with a mixture of isopropanol and water (60:40). The extract yield was 29%. It was analysed by UV-spectrophotometry and characterised by NMR-spectrophotometry. Cream with good consistency was formulated with 5% w/w chlorogenic acid, 25% w/w palm oil. Tween 60 and Span 60 of 6.1:3.9 was emulsifying agent, and other necessity. The physical evaluation, accelerated stability study, and efficacy of tanning effect to bovine skin were performed. In conclusion, sunless tanning product from green coffee beans was potentiated to be continuously studied as a commercialised product.

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.

The Benefits and Risks of Ultraviolet Tanning and Its Alternatives: The Role of Prudent Sun Exposure

Sunlight- and indoor ultraviolet (UV)-induced tanning is a common behavior, especially among adolescents, young adults, and individuals who have lighter skin. Excessive sun exposure is associated with several health risks, including the acceleration of skin aging and the promotion of skin cancers. Several health benefits of UV exposure include vitamin D production and improved mood. This article analyzes these health risks and benefits and discusses pertinent issues surrounding indoor tanning, the role of sunless tanning products, and prudent sun exposure.

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