Sunbathing, swimming, playing sports are healthy activities that many of us choose to manage our free time. Going to sunbathe is even recommended, for different reasons. When this behavior is normalized, we call it “tan” due to the dark tone that the skin acquires. Tanorexia , or tanning addiction, is a pathological disorder consisting of repeated, compulsive and harmful exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Tanning addiction has similarities to other addictions, such as alcoholism.
The main source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation is obtained through sun exposure. But it can also be obtained artificially in facilities called “solariums”. In these centers there are electronic devices, known as “sun beds” or “UVA rays”, that emit this type of radiation. In this way, tanorexia can be caused either by excessive sun exposure, or by the improper use of these devices.
Beyond the problem that any behavioral disorder represents by itself, addiction to tanning or tanorexia can be a cause of serious pathologies . Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a clear risk factor for the development of malignant melanoma (skin cancer) . The WHO declared in 2009 “solariums” and their devices as carcinogenic elements based on certain studies. In any case, moderate exposure to sunlight and the use of protectors are the best recommendations to avoid harmful effects.
Causes of tanorexia
In Valencia we can enjoy a truly enviable climate. Pleasant temperatures and lots of sun practically all year round. People from all over the world come to the Valencian Community during vacation periods to enjoy its gastronomy, the sun, its beaches and the festive leisure spaces. As we said, tanorexia can be caused by excessive sun exposure, or by the improper use of UVA cabins and sun beds. But, what leads some people to submit excessively to ultraviolet radiation? We need to understand that sunbathing is often part of purely aesthetic reasons. But, in addition, also a mechanism of “psychic compensation”.
- On the one hand, we find the socio-cultural factor that “imposes” beauty canons that many people end up pursuing. For example, extreme thinness or a strong tan. In fact, it is no coincidence that the prevalence of addiction to indoor tanning (solariums) is much higher among women, young people, and university students.
- On the other hand, it is fully demonstrated that sun exposure (including solariums) causes a state of general well-being through a mechanism of endogenous opioid release . When we sunbathe, the body releases beta-endorphins. This causes both psychologically and physically a heightened sense of relaxation, well-being and even euphoria. Something very similar happens when we play sports.
These are the main reasons why most people end up repeating this behavior. To the extent that they positively reinforce their expectations, they tend to repeat it. The problem appears when we go through what we consider “moderate use” and we find ourselves involved in tanning addiction.
Symptoms of tanorexia
Previously we said that a person with tanorexia has certain similarities with an alcohol or drug addict. We need to understand that a tan addict suffers from a syndrome similar to that suffered by people with eating disorders such as anorexia. It is called body dysmorphic disorder and involves a distorted subjective perception of body image, in this case the tan of your skin.
The parallelism with other addictions supposes for a tanning addict an initial positive reinforcement that is obtained through this behavior. People who are more likely to experience mood swings are more likely to use tanning as a “compensation” mechanism. That is, they use tanning as a “self-medication”. Therefore, these people would be more vulnerable to suffering from tanorexia. There is a study that associates seasonal affective disorder, a seasonal depression that is frequently experienced in the fall and winter, with tanorexia. One last fact: people who tan in “solariums” report increased use of tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and alcohol. The clearest symptoms of tanning addiction or tanorexia are:
- Need to increase the frequency or intensity of tanning to get the same effects as in the past (tolerance)
- Some degree of discomfort when sun or ultraviolet exposure is stopped (withdrawal)
- Continuing to tan despite awareness of its negative health impact (eg, sunburn, freckles)
Harmful effects of tanorexia
Although tanorexia as such is not included among the addictive disorders in diagnostic manuals, it seems clear that it is one more of the so-called behavioral addictions. A tan addict is clearly exposed to a higher probability of suffering from malignant melanoma or skin cancer. You can also suffer from burns and other dermatological conditions. As a consequence of anorexia, there is also premature aging. May cause eye damaged by direct exposure in the UVA ray cabins and even by sun exposure. But probably, the greatest harm caused by tanorexia is psychological. Many doctors report about people who, with the express recommendation to avoid sun exposure, repeatedly resort to solariums. Keep in mind that, based on skin phototype, some people are more susceptible to the damaging effect of ultraviolet radiation.
As in alcoholism, the psychological distortion imposed by addiction prevents the person from correctly evaluating the risk-benefit mechanism. In acute cases of alcohol dependence, people with severe hepatic impairment continue to drink even with medical warning of possible systemic organ failure. Something similar happens with addiction to tanning.