It is called tanning dependence or “compulsive tan syndrome “, the desire for tanning that affects 1 in 5 women aged 18 to 30 years. In some women – explains Dr. Agnese Rossi, psychotherapist at the Humanitas Gavazzeni Hospital – especially with a tendency towards perfectionism, the search for a tan, even an artificial one, from UV lamps can give rise to a real psychological dependence. The dependence on tanning develops because the skin, subjected to prolonged exposure to the ultraviolet light of artificial lamps as well as sun lamps, releases hormones called endorphins that stimulate the feeling of well-being, psycho-physical satisfaction and also act against pain. Therefore, tanning addiction develops more frequently in women with a tendency to perfectionism or who have other forms of addiction (smoking, alcohol or drugs), or who see their bodies as inadequate especially if exposed to continuous comparisons with the ideal bodies proposed by advertising. However, the sense of insecurity and fear of being rejected leads to being perennially dissatisfied with one’s body, seeking, therefore, to tan more and more in an attempt to obtain psychological benefits in terms of improved physical appearance and emotional well-being, while being aware of the risks involved. As in a vicious circle with dangerous consequences both physically and psychologically, in these people, the tanning addiction increases the risk of skin diseases caused by the toxic effects, now widely demonstrated, of UV rays throughout the year, such as erythema, burns, appearance of wrinkles, premature aging of the skin, skin discoloration and especially melanoma.
Articles by
Couple health
Five tips for overcoming a separation
Couple health
How love and sex change after the age of 65
