Quezi

Tanning in the sun (photo by foundphotoslj, CC-BY)

Tanorexia is a word used to describe an unhealthy obsession with tanning. Just as people with anorexia nervosa see themselves as fat, when they are actually very thin, people who tan excessively think they are too pale when they really have a deep tan.Celebrities who have deep dark tans include actor George Hamilton, fashion designers Valentino and Donatella Versace.

Tanning dependence

Studies show that tanning dependence exists. Dermatologists have compared tanorexia to drug addiction. Endorphins, chemicals which create a feeling of euphoria are released in response to UV light exposure. The pleasurable feeling the person gets when he basks in the sun or on the tanning bed is similar to the “runners high” that some people get when they do a lot of exercise.

According to a 2006 survey, “those addicted to tanning were more likely to be thin and smoke cigarettes than others.”

More than twenty-five percent of teens and young adults show signs of obsessive tanning behavior. They say they tan themselves in order to look better, to relax and to feel healthy; however they may be exposing themselves to many risks.

Health Risks

Premature Aging and Wrinkles
“Up to 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun.”

Skin Cancer
Pre-cancerous lesions are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from tanning beds.

Dependence
Tanorexics become dependent on the euphoria they get from tanning and extremely frustrated when unable to be occupied with their obsession.

Symptoms

• Extreme anxiety caused by missed tanning sessions
• Competition with others to see who has the darkest tan
• Chronic frustration about skin color
• Belief that skin is lighter than it actually is

Although people with a suntan addiction insist they look better with a tan, their fixation with getting a suntan and tanning their skin may put them in danger of chronic physical (skin cancer) and emotional problems.

A beautiful tan without the risks can be achieved by using artificial tanning products such as, self tanning lotions, spray tans, tanning creams or bronzing powders.