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Like moths to the flame

'Tanorexics' become addicted to the sun's euphoric rays

By Nick Bechtel

As long as there are at least a few rays of sunshine beaming onto the Oval, campus pedestrians can usually count on someone basking in them. Although a pleasant summer pastime for many, frequent tanning can have serious repercussions - some of which go beyond skin-deep.

Some studies suggest that basking in the sun can be addictive.

Dr. Larisa Ravitskiy, an assistant professor dermatologist at the Ohio State Medical Center, addressed the concept of 'tanorexia.'

'Tanorexia,' Ravitskiy explained, refers to obsessive tanners who develop an addiction to the sun. Ravitskiy cited a study conducted at Wake Forest University, in which tanners exposed to UV rays in tanning beds reported experiencing a euphoria that the tanners in the non-UV tanning beds did not. The non UV-receiving participants who were frequent tanners prior to the experiment reportedly developed withdrawal symptoms, while the less frequent tanners did not.

"Habitual sunbathers are actually addicted to sun, like one can be addicted to alcohol or drugs," Ravitskiy said.

Caitlin Rak, although not necessarily an addict, did claim to be a frequent sunbather. She said she tans on the Oval every day for three hours a day.

"[I tan] whenever the sun's out, because I have nothing else to do," Rak said. "It makes me feel good."

While any addiction could have serious consequences, Ravitskiy warned that even less frequent tanners could be at risk.

"Tanning is a response to sun radiation and it signifies damage to the skin," Ravitskiy said. "Even the slightest tan means your skin has been damaged by UV radiation. Basically, no tan in a safe tan."

Despite acknowledging the associated dangers with soaking up the sun, students still seek those euphoric rays as they flock to the Oval.

Lindsey Shirilla said she makes a habit out of tanning twice a week.

"I look horrible when I'm pale," Shirilla said. "I really do."

Chelsea Pavlik admits her hobby is bad for her skin, but she finds reasons that make it worth her time to tan for an hour or two.


"The sun does have an effect on your mood," Pavlik said.

The immediate effects of tanning - from the physical to psychological - may be at the forefront of sun-baskers' concerns. Yet while many such tanners acknowledge the risks of skin damage, they may not realize how imminent such risks may be.

"We are in an epidemic of skin cancer," Ravitskiy said. "We're right in the middle of it. And it's not just the elderly anymore. With more access to travel in sunny locals and widespread tanning bed use, we will see more and more people develop skin cancer at earlier ages."

Ravitskiy treats patients diagnosed with early symptoms of skin cancer - several of whom are in their twenties.

Not to unjustly demonize sunshine, the euphoric rays may provide certain health benefits.

Dr. Michael Holick of the Boston University School of Medicine conducted research on vitamin D; his findings have been published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings. According to Holick's study, "controversial evidence suggests [adequate vitamin D] may help prevent type 1 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and many common cancers."

Furthermore, "factors such as low sunlight exposure...and diets low in vitamin D contribute to the high prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy."

Yet before students justify hours of sunbathing with research advocating vitamin D as a cancer preventative, Ravitskiy said most of one's vitamin D requirements can be consumed through food such as milk. In terms of absorbing vitamin D through sunlight, Ravitskiy said 15 minutes of exposure twice a week would suffice.

Holick's research states similar findings.

"Supplemental doses of vitamin D and sensible sun exposure could prevent deficiency in most of the general population," Holick wrote.

Aside from possibly preventing some types of cancer, other research suggests psychological benefits of sunlight.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, sunlight can provide a remedy for some types depression. People with seasonal affective disorder, for instance, show symptoms of depression during the same time each year - typically during the fall and winter. The Cleveland Clinic states that decreased exposure to sunlight may throw off the body's biological clock and consequently affect mood. Research at a chemical level reveals people with SAD to have imbalances within brain chemicals. In either case, the clinic reports that light therapy and exposure to natural sunlight is effective when treating SAD.

A compromising factor bridging the gap between pasty bouts of depression and peeling preludes to cancer is - you guessed it - sunscreen.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapplied every two hours. Ravitskiy recommends using a shot-glass's worth of sunscreen for one's body; two teaspoons worth of sun block should be spread over the face. 



The American Academy of Dermatology offers more advice for skin protection. According to the AAD, the sun's rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - although a prime time for many tanners, people outside at that time should seek shade. And indoor tanning beds are no safe substitute, according to the AAD, which states the beds can cause wrinkling and skin cancer significantly faster than the sun.

But addictions can be hard to kick.

While some frequent tanners apply sunscreen regularly, others, such as Taryn Taylor, skip the screen and use tanning enhancing lotion instead.

"It doesn't protect your skin, it just makes you bronzer," Taylor said of the product.

Even if there is an SPF value on the bottle, the numbers make a difference. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, "SPF 15 blocks approximately 93 percent of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent; and SPF 50 blocks 98 percent."

Tanning enhancers with SPF 4 offer "the kind of protection that a white t-shirt offers you on a sunny day. So it's basically none," said Ravitskiy.

Despite the warnings and alternatives, students still strive for darker skin tones. As a dermatologist, Ravitskiy recommended one last bit of advice to those who still desire tanned bodies:

"Get a spray tan."

Originally Published: July 22, 2009

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