Decrease in artificial tanning by French teenagers: 2011-2016

BackgroundThe major risk factor for skin cancers is exposure to solar and artificial ultraviolet radiation, in particular during childhood and adolescence. In France, a law was restricted for tanning-bed access to adults (18years) since 1997. ObjectiveTo evaluate teenagers' artificial tanning behaviour in 2016 and to compare results with those obtained in a similar survey performed in 2011. MethodsThe SOLADO 2011 and 2016 surveys were conducted in a general school in Antony and a technical school in Fontenay-aux-Roses (Paris suburb). ResultsIn 2016, 630 teenagers (mean age: 14.21.9y: Males/Females: 301/329) completed the questionnaire, 1.3% of teenagers reported using tanning beds, 1.1% tanning pills and 8.9% tanning creams. Between 2011 and 2016, the use of tanning beds decreased from 1.4% to 0.7% in Antony (P=.26) and from 9.5% to 4.8% in Fontenay-aux-Roses (P=.01), and the use of tanning creams from 39.8% to 17.6% in Fontenay-aux-Rose (P=.0007). The incidence of sunburn decreased from 60.5% to 54.0% in Antony (P=.02) and from 55.4% to 42.4% in Fontenay-aux-Roses (P=.05). ConclusionAs compared to 2011, teenagers used artificial tanning methods less frequently in 2016. In particular, they used tanning beds less frequently, suggesting that the new stricter legislation has been effective.