Sunless Tanning Products May Decrease Negative Tanning Behaviors

Jan. 19, 2012 - PRLog -- Sunless Tanning Products May Decrease Negative Tanning Behaviors

East Lansing, MI – Contrary to popular belief, achieving tanned skin through the sun or tanning beds is not beautiful or healthy.  Because the need for tanned skin remains a strong desire, there is little thought given to the extreme dangers of UV radiation exposure. However, according to a new study published in the Dec. 19 online edition of the Archives of Dermatology, women who achieve their tan from a bottle may spend less time in the tanning salon or out in the sun.  

The study was conducted by Dr. Suephy Chen, an associate professor of dermatology at Emory University in Atlanta and her team. They surveyed more than 400 women, age 18 and older, about their use of sunless tanning products and their tanning habits. Forty-eight percent of participants had used sunless tanning products, 70.6% had tanned in the sun, and 26.0% had used tanning beds at least once in the past year. Most participants (92.7%) believed that tanned skin is more attractive than untanned skin, and 79.2% reported feeling better about themselves when tan. Many sunless tanning product users reported decreased frequency of tanning in the sun (36.8%) or in tanning beds (38%) because of product use.

Dr. Marcy Street, founder of Doctor’s Approach in Lansing MI, and the nation’s first African American female MOHS surgeon, believes sunless tanning is a safe alternative. “The social pressure to be tan has been imbedded in the minds of men and women for years. While a no tan approach is the safer one, I would prefer to give patients the option to achieve the look without the damage. Any decrease in the use of unsafe tanning methods is a step in the right direction”.

Sunless tanning methods are safe and have no negative effects on the skin or DNA.  As the skin naturally sheds, so does the product.  Manufactures of bottled or spray tans will continue to achieve the look of a natural tan and increase the long term effectives of each product.


Dr. Marcy Street is a board certified, fellowship trained dermatologist, specializing in skin cancer, skin cancer prevention, and Mohs skin cancer surgery. She is the medical director and founder of Doctor’s Approach Dermatology – a full-service medical and surgical dermatology clinic, Doctor’s Approach MedSpa – the only cosmetic medspa in mid-Michigan overseen by a dermatologist and Doctor’s Approach Products – a line of skin, hair, and nail products specifically developed by Dr. Street. Doctor’s Approach has been well established and respected for over 18 years, with patients visiting from all over the nation, including Canada.  Her staff includes three highly trained dermatologists, a licensed physician assist and certified estheticians that provide the best in cutting edge medical technology, comprehensive care and services in a relaxing and nurturing environment.
Visit the website: www.DrsApproach.com

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Doctor’s Approach is a full-service medical and surgical dermatology clinic with a cosmetic medical spa. Our dermatology practice has been well established and respected for over 18 years, with patients visiting from all over the Midwest region.