Are You Addicted to Tanning?

I have vivid memories of skipping high school to suntan with baby oil on the roof of my best friend’s house. Why? Because the roof was black and it would attract the sun’s rays, the baby oil would help us get a tan quicker, and it was hotter because we were closer to the sun. All logical reasons – at least for teenagers.

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But research reveals that indoor and outdoor tanning can lead to premature aging such as wrinkle and brown spots, eye damage, as well as skin cancer—just to name a few. According to a review published in JAMA Dermatology there are more skin cancer cases due to indoor tanning than there are lung cancer cases due to smoking.

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However, despite the well-publicized risks of skin damage and cancer from too much sun, people continue to soak up ultraviolet radiation outdoors and in tanning salons. In fact, University of California researchers reported that 35 percent of American adults and 55 percent of university students have been indoor tanning.

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Common reasons why people tan is to look more attractive and “healthier” – but could they be addicted? The idea that ultraviolet (UV) light can be addictive -- whether from the sun or a tanning bed -- is fairly new. But recent research offers biological evidence that some people develop an addiction to UV radiation, just like some become dependent on drugs.

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According to a study published in the journal Addiction Biology people who frequently use tanning beds had changes in brain activity during their tanning sessions that mimic the patterns of drug addiction. The researchers found that several parts of the brain that play a role in addiction were activated when the subjects were exposed to UV rays. These findings may help explain why some people continue to tan despite awareness about the health risks such as skin cancer and premature aging.

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And researchers at the Yale Cancer Center discovered a link between tanning addiction (both fake and natural) and other addictive behaviors such as exercise and alcohol. Their survey of 499 people who exhibited tanning addiction found the participants were six times more likely to develop an alcohol addiction and five times more likely to be addicted to exercise.

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Tanning addiction is not yet classified as a disorder. And as with most things – moderation is the key. And it’s important to follow the tanning guidelines such as wearing sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapplying it every two hours, or more often if you're sweating or swimming.

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