Tanning Booths Lure Tanners Back For Relaxing Effect

Experts Look For Biological Reason

< July 7, 2004 > -- Researchers say exposure to ultraviolet light may produce a "relaxing" effect that attracts tanners back to tanning beds, according to a study reported in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

"We believe that ultraviolet light has an effect on mood that tanners value," said Dr. Steven Feldman, a dermatologist and researcher at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. "This may be creating a reinforcing effect that influences tanning behavior."

UV light occurs naturally in sunlight and is responsible for the tanning and burning effects of the sun. Artificial UV light is used in tanning beds and sunlamps.

Mood was measured before and after each tanning exposure. The results revealed greater relaxation and lower tension after UV exposure compared to non-UV exposure.

Tanning Reinforced with Relaxing Effects

The researchers theorize that UV exposure leads to the release of chemicals in the brain called endorphins that are linked to both pain relief and euphoric feelings.

"A more relaxed and less tense mood was reported after UV exposure compared to after non-UV exposure," says Dr. Feldman. "We believe these relaxing and reinforcing effects contribute to tanning behavior and may help explain why people choose to tan despite the risks."

For six weeks, 14 study participants had tanning sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays in two identical-looking tanning beds.

They spent half of each session in one bed and half in the other. There was a key difference in the beds, however – only one used ultraviolet light (UV).

During the study, participants had the option of additional tanning on Fridays in either of the beds. Twelve of the subjects chose additional tanning, and for 95 percent of the sessions they chose the UV bed.

"There are probably many factors that influence the choice to tan frequently," says Dr. Feldman. "But we found that when subjects are offered tanning beds that differ only in the presence or absence of UV light, they choose the bed with UV light. Moreover, the choice of UV is associated with a sense of greater relaxation."

Dr. Feldman says the finding is significant because, like other risky behaviors, it is important to understand why frequent tanners choose the activity.

Exposure to UV through tanning has been shown to damage the genetic information in cells and is linked to the development of skin cancer. 

Study Needed To Learn About Mood Changes

Most research into the motives for excessive tanning has focused on effects such as appearance. However, there is some previous evidence supporting a relaxation effect.

Lab studies have shown a release of endorphins in response to ultraviolet light exposure. And, a survey of college students showed that relaxation was one of the most common reasons identified for tanning.

"Since we didn't measure endorphins, we don't know for sure that these substances are responsible for the phenomenon," says Dr. Feldman. "But, our findings suggest a course for future research into why people use tanning beds and the mechanism of mood changes associated with tanning."

Always consult your physician for more information.

Online Resources

American Academy of Dermatology

American Academy of Ophthalmology

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

National Library of Medicine

National Women's Health Information Center

Find a Physician at
St. John's Mercy or call our Physician Referral Service at 314-FOR-DOCS.  

For more information on skin cancer, please visit health information modules on this Web site.

Effects of UV Exposure

Exposure to UV rays is linked to a number of harmful health conditions, including skin cancer.

In the US alone, 1 million people will be diagnosed in 2004 with nonmelanoma skin cancer, and 55,100 will be diagnosed with melanoma, according to the American Cancer Society.

Most skin cancers appear after age 50, but skin damage from the sun begins at an early age. Therefore, protection should start in childhood to prevent skin cancer later in life.

Sun exposure also causes premature aging of the skin, a condition called photoaging, which is different than chronological aging.

People who sunbathe regularly show photoaging early in life - often before 30 years of age.

Chronologically-aged skin, more often, shows changes after age 40 or older.

Freckling, fine wrinkling, and dilation of capillaries are often seen early in the photoaging process.

Photoaged skin often develops irregular pigmentation (liver spots) in later years.

Both photoaging and chronological aging cause wrinkling and loss of skin elasticity. However, these changes occur much earlier when skin has been overexposed to the sun.

Excessive UV exposure is one of the risk factors in the development of cataracts. A cataract is an eye disorder characterized by a change in the structure of the crystalline lens that causes blurred vision. It is a leading cause of blindness around the world. Persons who spend more time in the sun may develop cataracts earlier than others.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology now recommends wearing UV sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat to lessen exposure to ultraviolet rays.

Corneal sunburn, growths on the outer surface of the eye, retinal-tissue damage, and other eye diseases are also known, or suspected, to be related to long-term exposure to UV rays.

Many healthcare professionals believe that UV radiation can alter immune system functions.
The skin is part of the body's natural defense system.

When UV radiation suppresses immune responses, the body's ability to fight certain diseases, including skin cancer, is reduced.

It is suspected that overexposure to UV radiation also interferes with the effectiveness of immunizations given through the skin.

Always consult your physician for more information.