A new study published in JAMA Dermatology reveals that nearly one-third of American adults intentionally tan outdoors, a practice strongly linked to increased sunburns and higher skin cancer risk. The research, based on the 2024 National Health Interview Survey, highlights a persistent public health challenge despite widespread warnings about ultraviolet (UV) radiation dangers.[medicaldialogues+2]
The study found that 30.2% of U.S. adults reported deliberately seeking sun exposure to achieve a tan.This behavior was notably more common among women, with 35.6% engaging in intentional outdoor tanning compared to 26.6% of men.Young women showed the highest rates, as 51.7% of those aged 18 to 24 years and 48.1% of those aged 18 to 29 years intentionally tanned outdoors.[medicaldialogues+9]
Intentional Tanning Increases Sunburn Risk
Researchers found a clear connection between intentional tanning and sunburn. Almost half of adults who intentionally tanned outdoors, 49.9%, reported experiencing a sunburn in the past year.In contrast, only 28.3% of those who did not intentionally tan reported a sunburn during the same period.This significant difference indicates that intentional tanners receive greater exposure to harmful UV radiation, which directly contributes to skin damage and cancer risk.[medicaldialogues+8]
The cross-sectional study analyzed data from 31,615 U.S. adults, with an average age of 48.3 years.Beyond age and gender, intentional outdoor tanning was also linked to other demographic and behavioral patterns. It was more prevalent among non-Hispanic White individuals, those who were physically active, and individuals who reported heavy or binge drinking.These findings offer valuable insights for public health officials seeking to develop more targeted strategies to reduce tanning and promote sun-safe behaviors.[medicaldialogues+9]
Dermatologists Warn Against Damaging Practices
Dermatologists emphasize that any tan is a sign of skin damage. Jacob Beer, a dermatologist in West Palm Beach, Florida, stated that tanning "goes hand in hand with UV damage."Maral Skelsey, a dermatologist in D.C. and spokesperson for the Skin Cancer Foundation, noted that many people do not connect tanning with skin cancer, even though they recognize sunburn as a sign of skin damage.She said that if people accumulate enough UV damage to tan, they are likely also causing enough UV damage to potentially develop skin cancer later.[washingtonpost+2]
Skin cancer remains the most common type of cancer, affecting about 1 in 5 Americans by age 70.Rates are increasing, particularly among young adults.UV radiation, whether from the sun or tanning beds, causes genetic damage to skin cells.The skin's attempt to prevent further injury by producing melanin, which darkens the skin, is what we call a tan.This damage is cumulative, starting with the very first tan.[washingtonpost+5]
Indoor Tanning Poses Even Greater Risks
While the recent JAMA study focused on outdoor tanning, experts consistently warn about the severe dangers of indoor tanning. Many believe indoor tanning is safer than outdoor sun exposure, but this is a dangerous misconception.Tanning beds can emit up to 15 times the strength of the midday summer sun.The International Agency for Research on Cancer, a division of the World Health Organization, has classified UV radiation from artificial sources like tanning beds as "carcinogenic to humans," placing it in the same highest cancer risk category as radon, tobacco, and asbestos.[aimatskincancer+3]
Studies show that using tanning beds before age 20 can increase the chance of developing melanoma by 47%, with the risk growing with each use.Women younger than 30 are six times more likely to develop melanoma if they tan indoors.Indoor tanning is also linked to an increased risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the two most common forms of skin cancer.Some research suggests that more people develop skin cancer due to indoor tanning than lung cancer due to smoking.[aimatskincancer+11]
Beyond cancer, UV exposure from tanning also prematurely ages the skin. It breaks down collagen, the protein responsible for smooth, supple skin, leading to increased wrinkles, uneven skin texture, thinning, and discoloration.[washingtonpost+1]
Public Health Urgency for Prevention
The authors of the JAMA Dermatology study, including Dawn M. Holman from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, noted that intentional outdoor tanning involves deliberate exposure to UV radiation, a recognized risk factor for skin cancer.They concluded that their findings present a crucial opportunity for prevention efforts.[medicaldialogues+3]
Public health interventions should focus on educating specific groups, especially younger women, who show the highest prevalence of intentional tanning.These efforts can help reduce UV exposure related to tanning and encourage safer sun practices.Dermatologists and public health experts urge individuals to prioritize sun protection over tanning to safeguard their skin health and reduce their long-term risk of developing skin cancer. There is no such thing as a safe or healthy tan.[medicaldialogues+6]
