ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION With improvements in formulation and aesthetics, sunless or self-tanning products have become a viable alternative to UV tanning. Public awareness as to the hazards of both natural and arti‘cial UV tanning has facilitated self-tanners becoming a signi‘cant component of the overall suncare market. Ten to over 20% of adolescent and young adults in both the United States and Australia reported using these products (1-3). Individual users were also more likely to have sunburn consistent with higher use of these products in fairer caucasians. In other studies, exclusive users of sunless tanners were more likely to practice overall sun protection (4,5) and decrease their use of UVL tanning beds (6,7). A randomized trial at the beach for skin cancer prevention promoting sunless tanning reduced sunbathing and sunburns (8).
