As we vastly approach summer, there is one thing that all beach bums and avid pool goers know about: tanning. This is the sun-kissed glow that everyone talks about and goes spray-tan happy over. Of course there is no harm in having your skin tone look an extra shade darker, but it’s the ones who become overzealous in the spray booths and tanning beds that do their skin a disservice, not to mention their appearance as they age.
Tanning can be, believe it or not, an obsession. This is an obsessive compulsive disorder diagnosed as Tanorexia. In this event, someone is never convinced that his or her skin is tan despite their incessant exposure to ultraviolet rays. Their skin will clearly show shades darker, but the individual, however, is never convinced. This can be detrimental to one’s health as constant exposure to UV rays will inevitably damage skin in the long run which was also discussed in last week’s blog, Protect the Skin You’re in.
What Is The Best Amount Of Vitamin D?
It is advised to get a healthy dose of Vitamin D which is about 15 to 20 minutes of direct sunlight. However, those who excessively tan and go beyond this allotted time, have a greater risk of skin damage.
Culture nowadays has instilled in us that tanning is part of the beauty regimen. Popular belief stigmatizes that a darker complexion is considered a necessity even though health wise, the skin will be longer lasting when left alone. This can become an addiction for some as smoking or receiving plastic surgery can be an addiction for others. Tanorexia is a habit that is more elusive than anything. Even those who are Tanorexic and take precautions using SPF tanner are still displaying obsessive compulsive behavior. In this event, someone with Tanorexia should seek out a dermatologist in order to preserve the skin and prevent any impending damage. However, at the end of the day, Tanorexia is a mental issue and should be addressed by a professional.
More Reasons For Tanning
Tanning has fallen under the category of what society deems “beautiful.” Several people are convinced its standards are right instead of seeing what is right for them. It is yet again another feed into “if you don’t fit this mold, you aren’t conventionally accepted as “beautiful.” Its cliché, but true…What they say about beauty and that is: beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is important we stand up to the stigma and put our health as first priority and see our beauty for what it is and always has been.