For a long time now we have seen the warnings from doctors
about tanning beds. The statistics do not lie. In an article I read on
FoxNews.com targets the recent skin cancer increase among teenagers and how
they are linking skin cancer to tanning beds. One reference the article makes
is to a
With all of this information about skin cancer why would anyone choose to
continue to tan on a regular basis? What are peoples motives? Is there a reinforcement that people are recieving from the tanning bed? Personally I feel it is because out society
puts such an emphasis on appearances. We see models in magazines and
actors/actresses with golden brown skin and it has become an obsession to
teenager and people in their 20s to mirror the look.
I have in front of me right now a Glamour Magazine with a cover story titled
"SCARY! The Beauty Habit That Can Give You Cancer". ( I tried to find
the article online but had no luck) In
reading this article the reporter states that although with the recent study
linking tanning to cancer and how it is more dangerous than we ever thought
people are still making their regular trips to the tanning bed and do not plan
on stopping any time soon. Tasy-a business woman from
Why do you think females (and I'm sure some males) share this view. What is so intriguing
about tanning that people will put aside the fact and continue to tan? Are
there any tanners our there? Is so...please feel free to comment on the motive
behind your tanning?
Fox News Article:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,535220,00.html
I found an article stating UV lights release endorphins, creating a sort of ‘high’ similar to a runner’s high. The article sites an experiment studying the effects of tanning beds on people. Participants in a bed under UV light reported more relaxation than participants using a bed with visible light. However, this study did not prove whether endorphins were the reason behind the relaxation or not. A second study was conducted in which half of the participants received a drug to block endorphins. After tanning, frequent tanners reported nausea and anxiety while infrequent tanners reported no effect. This means that tanning is somewhat addictive.
However, I do also think socialization plays a role in the reason people start to tan. People may feel the need to fit into the standard presented by magazines and television. After tanning the person might also recieve reinforcement from others around them, making them want to tan more. The release of endorphins might be another reason why people continue to tan more than needed.
I found a statistic stating that 30 million Americans use tanning beds, which astounds me. Personally, I do not use tanning beds. We live in Iowa, and I think it is unnatural to be tan in the dead of winter. Another reason is that I have heard the statistics about skin cancer throughout my life, which scares me. I do tan outside occasionally in the summer, but why should I increase the risk of skin cancer by tanning weekly? I have to wonder why people tan if they know it could be potentially dangerous. (Just as a side note, tanning beds scare me. I saw Final Destination 3)
Article: http://news.softpedia.com/news/Tanning-Beds-Are-Addictive-20609.shtml
The article that I am posting in my comment is from the Las Vegas Sun. That article talks about the 10% tanning tax that as been added to the health care bill. The government predicts that they would gain a $2.7 billion with the tax. The 10% increase would raise the price of tanning around $1-3 each time. Which may seem small, but most people do not tan once. Just like tanning outside, it is a slow process to get the skin to be a darker color. With tanning already averaging about $10 a single session (could cost more for a package.) The 10% raise could really put a dent in some wallets.
Speaking for myself, I go tanning. I don't necessarily love to tan, however its not something that is uncomfortable. In the winter it is wonderful because it is a quick way to warm up. I also do not like to change my foundations colors, because it would be very expensive to get new foundation and new powder for just a couple of months. The price I would pay for tanning would be far less.
As naive as it sounds, cancer almost seems like one of those inevitable things these days. Everything could give you cancer. I realize that some threats are higher than others. However, how can a person really decipher the difference between a serious threat and one that is not serious?
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/jan/21/tanning-salon-owners-please-drop-skin-tax/
I liked Andrea's comment with the stats on a tanning tax. That's really interesting. I feel like it's similar to the cigarette tax that was added in Iowa a few years ago (or was it just last year? I don't remember!).
I go tanning on occasion, but very sparingly. In a typical winter, I go a few times just to get some pretend sun, because it's easy for me to get sad due to lack of sunlight. I'm not treating myself for SAD (seasonal affective disorder) but rather just having a pick-me-up once in a while when the sun hasn't been out. Feeling even fake sun makes me a bit happier and is a good motivator for a tanning visit on occasion.
This is the first winter I'm planning on going more than sparingly, only because I have engagement pictures coming up soon and I don't want to be pasty white for pictures. So appearance is a definite motivator in this instannce.
In general, I would say it's a strong motivator for a lot of people because the cultural trend of beauty has been tan skin color. Although, I think the trend may be shifting a bit, since many female celebrities are going the for the white/porcelein look (think Nicole Kidman, the Twilight girl, and others). Since our culture esteems celebrities so much, a slight change in the definition of "beauty" might be coming soon.