In a recent column by Dr. Leslie Baumann, Baumann addresses the risks of tanning addiction. According to Baumann, tanning addiction is not 'just in your head'.Baumann cites a study where doctors used substance-abuse screening techniques to examine frequent beachgoers and found that over 50 percent of the beachgoers in the study showed signs of dependence. Researchers theorize that UV exposure stimulates endorphin-like production and therefore, a sense of heightened well-being. From an evolutionary perspective, this trait would be adaptive as it would encourage adequate levels of vitamin D.
Baumann adds that since we can access adequate vitamin D through supplements now, these are the best bets for those at high-risk for skin cancer. If you're going the sun route, it only takes 20 minutes a day to generate the needed vitamin D levels.
1. Tanning lotions are used by just about everyone who decides to hit the beach or be out in the sun for an extended period of time. There are some people who question the need for lotions and sunscreens, saying the products really do not do anything to protect the skin. The fact is that using the right kind of tanning product can make a difference in the health of your skin.
http://tanning-tip.greenhealthfitness.com
Posted at 7:43AM on Nov 9th 2007 by dimis