Do you know someone who frequents tanning salons on a regular basis? They’re there so much you could swear they’re addicted to tanning. You no longer remember what the natural color of their skin is. They look so healthy, but are they really? What’s so bad about tanning salons? The people who go there are always looking good at the beach or pool. Isn’t it healthier to get a base tan going so you don’t burn? Is it really possible tanning is addictive?
Tanning Salon VS Sun
Some patrons of tanning salons are under the false impression that tanning salons are less dangerous than tanning in the sun. While they do give you a more even tan, they work the same way the sun does. That means your risk of skin cancer is just as high and possibly higher. Why higher? You can tan as frequently as you wish at tanning salons. They’re convenient to home. No trip to the beach is involved and they are open all year. That means more exposure to UV rays and a higher risk of skin cancer.
The Base Tan Myth
Another common myth is that a base tan saves you from burning. Some even believe it can protect you from skin cancer. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Actually, the more you are exposed to UV rays, the more damage you do to your skin. This raises your risk of skin cancer. So, disregard your tanning addiction. Skip that before beach tanning salon session. Put on some sunscreen and protective clothing and love the skin you were born with.
Is Tanning Addictive?
When the body undergoes tanning it releases endorphins. Endorphins, in short, make you happy. That makes tanning addictive. In fact, it’s so addictive that during a recent study, test subjects given endorphin blockers during tanning sessions actually experienced withdrawal symptoms. The danger to this addiction is similar to the danger of any other addiction. Too much of a good thing can kill you. In the case of smoking, your addiction causes lung cancer and other health issues. In the case of tanning, your addiction could lead to skin cancer, or at the very least, premature aging.
Drop Dead Gorgeous
Tanning is an addiction that can be overcome. Why are you tanning in the first place? For most, tanning begins as a cosmetic change. You want to look like a supermodel on the beach or even at the office. Now you’re addicted to tanning endorphins. Well, guess what? Tanning not only raises your risk of skin cancer, it makes your skin and the rest of you age faster. Just take a look at the older tanners at the beach. Their skin is wrinkled, puckered and downright ugly. That is if you can find one to look at. Most of them have found out they are drop dead gorgeous the hard way, by contracting skin cancer.
What About Vitamin D and Serotonin?
Yes, Vitamin D is healthy. Yes, it comes from the sun. In fact, you can get all the Vitamin D you need by being in the sun just a few minutes a day. Supplements are not only unnecessary, they’re bad for you. Too much Vitamin D is damaging to most major organs. Yes, Serotonin boosts your mood and is raised by sun exposure. Living your life in a cave is no solution. You do need the sun, you just don’t need so much of it. Your tanning addiction is killing you. End it now!
Sources:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,594983,00.html
http://www.rankinledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100706/LIFE/7060305/Study++Tanning+beds++UV+radiation+may+lead+to+cancer
Personal Knowledge
