title: A narrative review of the potential for self-tanning products to substitute for solaria use among people seeking a tanned appearance.
abstract: Skin cancers including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers are a high-cost and largely preventable form of cancer. While limiting exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) light via outdoor activities is a focus of public health efforts, indoor UV exposure via solaria or 'tanning booths' has also become a cause for concern. In recent decades the availability of less harmful non-UV self-tanning products such as sprays and lotions has increased. This review explores (i) the available data regarding the prevalence and behavioural factors associated with use of solaria and self-tanning products and (ii) data that may shed light on the likelihood of solaria users substituting self-tanning products as a less harmful alternative to solaria exposure. While there are insufficient data on which to draw a firm conclusion about the potential for substitution, it appears unlikely that most solaria users would readily substitute self-tanning products in place of solaria exposure. Public health advocates may need to consider whether a robust research study of the cost-effectiveness of encouraging substitutional use of self-tanners is desirable, or whether efforts to severely restrict access to solaria may be a better approach.
authors.affiliation: Health Behaviour Research Group, Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle & Hunter Medical Research Institute, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Christine L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.forename: Jamie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bryant
authors.forename: Heidi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Turon
authors.forename: Irena
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Brozek
authors.forename: Natasha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Noble
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zucca
mesh_terms: D003358:Cosmetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D055108:Sunbathing; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D003358:Cosmetics
keywords: indoor tanning; melanoma; self-tanning products; skin cancer; solaria