Tanning Addiction

Tanning Addiction

You’ve probably heard that being in the sun is bad for you. But can the desire to bake in the sun actually be an addiction? That’s what the latest research suggests. In this day and age, when we are bombarded with the messages of how bad the sun is for us, to wear sunscreen, there are still those who walk around with the deepest darkest tans.

Dr. Nanette Silverberg, the Director of Pediatric Dermatology at Beth Israel Medical Center, says, "There are clearly is a tanning addiction. There are certain people who perceive that they need to be tan to be beautiful in appearance and they feel more self confident and they feel they absolutely have to look that way 24/7 year round."

And the latest research in the archives of dermatology says there might be something to the concept of a suntan addiction--actually an ultraviolet light substance abuse disorder. "People have evidence of sun damage and you point out to them you say look you have moles you’re starting to freckle you’re starting to wrinkle and it all relates to UV light when they then continue UV light exposure, it’s proof positive this person is significantly addicted," says Dr. Silverberg.

The researchers asked beachgoers about their habits, and used two questionnaires, including one often used for alcohol and drug abuse called the cage questionnaire. C stands for cut down. Do you ever feel the need to cut down on your sun tanning? A stands for annoyed. Are you ever annoyed by people asking about your sun tanning? G stands for guilty. Do you feel guilty about the amount of sun tanning you do? And e stands for eye-opener…Do you desire to go out in the sun as soon as you wake up? The study found between 26 percent and 53 percent of the beachgoers met the criteria for a substance-related disorder.

But Dr. Petros Levounis, the Director of the Addiction Institute of New York says maybe sun tanning doesn’t go so far as being a true full blown addiction, like alcohol abuse. "I think it was an interesting study and I have no doubt there are people who tan more than they should. On the other hand, there are so many things that we do in life that we know are not good for us. Relationships come to mind, exercise, shopping, they know they need to cut down, but they can’t do it."

Still, psychotherapy might help for those who can’t get enough sun-- And maybe a spray on tan, followed by sunscreen when outside, might feel the needs of serious sun worshipers, and help them avoid the risk of sun damage to the skin.

Many studies have shown that even though those who tan and even use tanning beds know about the dangers, they still seek ultraviolet exposure. For teens, which is the group most at risk, school and parental teaching can have an impact on reducing sunburns and sun damage.

For more information, American Academy of Dermatology.