Young men among most likely to use fake tan

Tanning is on the rise among Britain’s young men, with more than one in four aged 16-24 using self tan products.

New research by analyst Mintel, showed that 27% of men in this age group have used fake tan in the last year.

Women of the same age group were only marginally more likely to have used a self-tan, with 29% saying they had used one in the past year. However the young men came in as the group second most likely to be using self-tan, above women aged 25-44.

Roshida Kahnom, senior personal care analyst at Mintel, said, “Self tanning remains fashionable for young people. High usage of self-tanning products amongst young men suggests that they may be aspiring to recreate looks inspired by celebrities such as Mark Wright.”

Kahnom added that the unnatural look associated with self-tan may put older consumers off using it regularly, and that product innovations in the sector to create formulas designed for more mature, less hydrated skin, could make it more appealing to an older market.

According to Mintel, the self-tan market in the UK is worth £60million this year.