72 YouTube Videos About Tanning; Only 17 Are Negative

According to a study published in the Archives of Dermatology, videos touting the benefits of using tanning equipment outnumber those containing warnings about exposure to ultraviolet light by nearly three to one on YouTube.

The study was inspired by two recent investigations that looked at how immunization safety and tobacco use are portrayed on YouTube. Eric Hossler, MD, a dermatologist at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa., and colleague Michael P. Conroy, MD, found 72 YouTube videos that commented on the pros and cons of tanning beds or standups. Of those, 49 videos (68 percent) had a positive spin, and 47 cited “appearance” as a benefit of indoor tanning.

Only 17 videos were negative. Nine named sunburn as a risk, eight mentioned skin cancer, three talked about wrinkles and three complained of the “lack of cleanliness of tanning salons, booths, and/or beds.”

Twenty-five of the videos were ads for tanning salons.

Source: Health.com, "YouTube: Tanning Beds Touted As Healthy”