Is There Really Such A Thing As Tanning Addictions?

The use of tanning beds has dramatically increased in the past few decades. Although it has been determined that there are a number of health risks associated with tanning beds there are some individuals who just can’t stop. Tanning beds are not the only potentially dangerous way that individuals go about getting a tan. Depending on how often it is done sunbathing can be just as deadly.

For years now researchers have been trying to determine why the tanning epidemic still exists and why its popularity continues to rise. The word addiction has been tossed around in a number of scientific studies. Right now tanning addictions are still being studied; however, it is likely that they do exist. When a person is addicted to eating they often feel that they cannot survive without food and there are some individuals who feel the same way about tanning.

Tanning, whether it be achieved from a tanning bed or sunbathing, makes an individual feel beautiful. Tanning increased in popularity when a number of famous stars started showing up everywhere with a beautiful tan. It is not just movie stars, many everyday individuals are regularly complimented on their glowing tan. In addition to beauty a tan gives the appearance of a slimmer body. Once this beauty is achieved there are many tanners who don’t want to look back.

It has also been theorized that tanning or traditional sun exposure allows the brain to create endorphins. These endorphins in a way work as a natural pain killer. This may lead to individuals feeling more happy and relaxed after tanning. When combined with the happiness and the beauty of sun there are many individuals who just want more.

There are many conflicting reports surrounding the need for tanning and tanning addictions; however, many tanners know the feeling all too well. Many tanners are fully aware of all of the risks associated with tanning; but they just can’t stop. There are even individuals who seek help for their tanning problem. Despite asking for or receiving help there are many tanners who revert back to their old ways and often find themselves back in a tanning bed in as little as one month.

Until tanning addictions are further researched and studied we are left wondering what makes certain individuals tan so often. What is interesting to think about is while we are wondering why some can’t stop tanning many of those individual are wondering why themselves.