Based on findings of a recent study researchers say, photos showing hidden sun damage and information on sunless tanning was effective in helping encourage safe sun behavior in a small group of college students .
Researchers showed a sample of 146 college student volunteers an ultraviolet facial photograph revealing hidden sun damage along with a videotape describing the causes and consequences of photoaging and they compared the effects of the photo and video, the photo and video plus information on self-tanning lotion, and no sun protection behavior intervention on the participants.Results showed the intervention group had significantly greater sun protection intention and behaviors when compared with the control group who received no intervention and adding sunless tanner to the intervention increased sun protection behavior even more.
Thus researchers say the UV photographic intervention holds promise as a cost-effective approach to motivate practices that may ultimately result in health benefits.
