Tanning and Teens: Is Indoor Exposure the Tip of the Iceberg?

Abstract

Due to recent state regulations and the reduced availability of free-standing tanning salons, indoor tanning prevalence is beginning to decline. This may lead to unintended consequences – increases in outdoor intentional tanning. We advance a series of research directions to track and intervene to address all forms of intentional tanning. First, we advocate for enforcement of indoor tanning regulation and encourage collection of data on tanning salon compliance and alternative indoor tanning strategies. Second, we suggest questions about outdoor and indoor tanning should be included in national surveys. Third, we need to understand the potentially complex patterns of indoor and outdoor tanning that may exist among those who tan. Fourth, research examining changing motivations for intentional tanning is needed. Finally, indoor tanning intervention studies should include outdoor tanning as an outcome to examine the effect of interventions on these related risk behaviors. These advances will ensure the development of novel interventions to address intentional tanning through multiple routes, and to avoid any unintended negative consequence of indoor tanning regulation. The promising downward direction of indoor tanning use in the United States should now lead the public health field to sharpen its focus on outdoor tanning.

Damage of the ocular surface from indoor suntanning—Insights from in vivo confocal microscopy

“…Considering the increase in suntanning behaviour, especially among adolescents and young adults, expanding the knowledge about potential ocular surface damage is of great importance [1,2,5]. In general, tanorexic (addicted to suntanning) people have a less healthy lifestyle and shorter life expectancy [6,8,[20][21][22][23]. This was also confirmed in the current study based on the answers to the health questionnaire of the study group.…”

Prevalence and correlates of intentional outdoor and indoor tanning among adolescents in the United States: Findings from the FLASHE survey

“…Study objectives were to identify the prevalence and correlates of outdoor and indoor tanning among U.S. adolescents. Skin cancer prevention experts have called for the need to expand the focus of skin cancer research to include surveillance of overlooked outdoor tanning behaviors especially among young people ( Hay et al, 2017 ; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014 ). Frequent outdoor tanning was reported by 15.6% of adolescents, with higher rates among girls and non-Hispanic White individuals.…”

“…These results are consistent with prior research of media use and indoor tanning intentions ( Myrick et al, 2017 ) and suggests that adolescents who are more socially active with technology are more likely to indoor tan. The observed association between intentional outdoor tanning and interpersonal media use is a novel finding as correlates of intentional outdoor tanning among teens have been under-researched ( Hay et al, 2017 ). The association between loneliness and indoor tanning observed in the univariate model supports and extends research linking emotional factors and tanning in young adults ( Stapleton et al, 2017 ; Gillen and Markey, 2012 ).…”

A four-group experiment to improve Western high school students’ sun protection behaviors

“…We were able to compare the effects of several novel intervention components in the high school classroom setting, several of which have not been previously tested in this population. Also, outcomes examined included intentional outdoor tanning as well as sunburns, which have seldom been examined in prior studies despite their role as key risk factors for skin cancer development [12][13][14][15]58]. The results should also be interpreted within the context of study limitations.…”