https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/survey-findings-inform-messaging-on-uv-exposure
[gap height=”15″]
Typically, this space is devoted to finding an anti-tanning story, exposing its flaws (there almost always are some) and offering IST readers a positive, fact-based response. This month, let’s look at a student survey conducted by Oregon State University, which examined their beliefs about sunscreens and UV-protective behavior and offered insights about necessary “counseling.”
[gap height=”15″]
They took a look at responses regarding the behaviors of sunscreen usage by using the “HBAU.” What in the world is HBAU? Well, it’s something these researchers call “Health Behaviors About UV.” Who knew? It’s interesting that among those surveyed, almost 60% had either very fair or fair skin. Almost 75% had never tanned indoors and about 25% had not even tanned outdoors in the past year. Two thirds used sunscreens only “sometimes” or less and reported that their use of an umbrella or wide-brimmed hat for UV protection was infrequent.
[gap height=”15″]
Let’s pick it apart, shall we?
[gap height=”15″]
First, it’s troubling that a more proportioned group of all skin types was not used in these surveys. People who have “very fair” skin are certainly very aware of the concerns surrounding UV overexposure and potential sunburn.
[gap height=”15″]
Why use almost 60% of them? Those numbers clearly skew the survey. Think about their recommendations. They chose a college in Oregon where the Pacific Northwest weather drives a substantial number of annual overcast and/or rainy days. Then, they propose that these students need “counseling” on the options to use a mineral sunscreen and reschedule outdoor activities if the sun is shining. I can envision the following directives: “Today’s weather is sunny. All golf activities will be postponed to after sunset,” and “the UV index is high out there today. Coaches, please have all your swimmers don their wide-brimmed hats” and lastly, “Get your umbrellas and let’s meet at the volleyball court.” Hey, why don’t we all retreat to the caves? We’ll be safe there!
[gap height=”15″]
The researchers also noted a commonality among respondents that tanning is a more natural source of vitamin D than an oral supplement and that weather has negative effects on mood. Although it really seemed to me that the researchers saw those two items as negatives, I’d fathom that most in our industry already knew those two as solid positives! Of course, FDA 21CFR1040.20 prohibits tanning professionals from making health claims regarding UV exposure; but let’s hope that in the future, we’ll see surveys that support moderate and responsible (indoor) UV exposure rather than “stay out of the sun!”
[gap height=”15″]
[gap height=”15″]
Team IST searches for erroneous, suspect or negative reporting by the media that adversely impacts the tanning industry. Reports such as these have plagued tanning businesses for decades. Although the media sources will seldom admit a falsehood and print a retraction, IST offers these well-crafted responses to the negative reports that can be shared with your customers and potential customers, alike.
