NICOLA ROBERTS

Maria Aloia, Beauty Treatment Specialist
www.beautyofbedford.co.uk

A recent study has suggested that Tanorexia may actually exist. This study, conducted in New York, used a questionnaire normally used to screen for drink and drug addicts but was altered to check for sunbed addictions as well. The main motives for sunbed use seemed to be for an improved appearance, relaxation and to improve mood. We all feel great when we have a tan, so this news should be of no surprise. The worrying thing is just how dangerous this addiction is to our health.

Sunbed use has been under intense scrutiny in recent months, seeing the banning of under 18s using sunbeds came into force on April 8th of this year. In one corner, the Sunbed Association is a firm believer of the benefits of the Vitamin D obtained by UV light, in the other corner, you have Cancer Research stressing the harmful effects of sunbed overuse and the skin cancer that can develop.

Having a tan is great – you feel more confident, you don’t need to wear so much make up and you look better and healthier. But, there is more than one way to get a tan. Burning in the sunlight or under a sunbed is definitely not the way to do it. For a start, 90% of skin ageing is down to UV exposure – who wants that dark brown leathery skin? I am a firm follower of Fake Tans. There are so many on the market, there is sure to be one suitable for you. If you haven’t found The One yet, keep searching! I suggest trying a salon spray tan before investing in the home product. That way, it is applied properly, and you know what colour you should be before you try and do it yourself!

It doesn’t take a genius to work out that tanning, whether it be by natural sunlight, sunbeds or fake tan, is addictive. We’ve all seen that friend that never thinks they’re dark enough, no matter how dark they get; it’s like body dysmorphic! So now that someone has carried out a survey, it seems it is official – Tanorexia is real!

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