Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Can tanning be addictive? New research says yes, and that those who regularly use tanning beds may experience changes in their brain activity similar to those triggered by drug addiction. Meaning, despite the risks for skin cancer and premature aging, they keep going back for more.
Scientists have long suspected that frequent exposure to UV radiation can become addictive, but new research announced last week is the first to "peer inside the brains of people as they lay in tanning beds," reported The New York Times.
"Using tanning beds has rewarding effects in the brain so people may feel compelled to persist in the behavior even though it's bad for them," said Dr. Bryon Adinoff, senior author of the study and professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. "The implication is, 'If it's rewarding, then could it also be addictive?'"
The findings, which appear online in the journal Addiction Biology, revealed that brain activity and corresponding blood flow in those using tanning beds is similar to that seen in people addicted to drugs or alcohol, suggesting its addictive quality. The research follows another cited by The New York Times that in 2005 found that many sunbathers "met the psychiatric definition of a substance abuse disorder," based on answers to a test.
Past research has shown that indoor tanning increases the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 75 percent. Talk to your dermatologist about your UV exposure risks, wear sunscreen, and avoid tanning beds.
If you enjoy being bronze, try a UV-free tanner, available in creams or sprays. If you want to find a safer, environmentally friendly sunless tanner, look to the Environmental Working Goup's (EWG) cosmetic safety database Skin Deep.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments