CTV.ca News Staff
 
Updated: Tue. Jul. 13 2004 8:35 PM ET

Sun-lovers' dedication to soaking up the rays might have more to do with brain chemistry than tanned skin. According to a new study, getting that golden glow could be addictive.

In a study of the effects of suntanning, researchers believe they have stumbled on an explanation for tan fans' dedication to the sun, despite the repeated warnings that it can cause skin to not only age more quickly, but also become cancerous.

For the study, published this month in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers at North Carolina's Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center took 14 regular tanners to two different types of tanning beds.

Unbeknownst to the test subjects, one bed produced ultraviolet radiation similar to that in the sun's rays, while the other did not.

In 95 per cent of the cases, when given the choice, the test subjects said they preferred the time spent soaking rays in the UV-delivering unit. Its light, they said, made them feel more relaxed and less tense.

"We believe these relaxing and reinforcing effects contribute to tanning behavior and may help explain why people choose to tan despite the risks," lead researcher Dr. Steven Feldman says.

Feldman theorizes the rays may be triggering the brain to release powerful mood-enhancing chemicals. Previous laboratory studies have shown that exposure to ultraviolet light leads to a release of endorphins. And a survey of college students showed that relaxation was one of the most common reasons identified for tanning.

The effect, they say, could be turning tanning into a kind of drug -- and an addictive one at that.

"Since we didn't measure endorphins, we don't know for sure that these substances are responsible for the phenomenon," said 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."

But doctors say soaking up UV rays still puts people at risk for skin cancer. "It's actually quite frightening to realize that so many people still use tanning booths," said dermatologist Dr. Paul Cohen on CTV Newsnet. "The incidence of skin cancer is increasing so markedly and the death rate from skin cancer is increasing, from melanoma particularly."

Cohen says sun worshippers still need to take precautions against UV rays. "You do need to use sunscreen, you do need to cover up, wear a hat, wear a shirt, wear sunglasses. Sunscreen is only part of the program for protecting yourself.

Dr. Cheryl Rosen of the Canadian Dermatology Association says she's not surprised that tanners ignore the warnings.

"We know from other public health issues like tobacco and smoking that knowledge does not always lead to changes in behaviour," she points out.

According to the manager of a Canadian tanning salon, the researchers may be shining the light on the truth.

"When I go into the tanning booth, I feel better I feel more productive," Pauline Thompkins told CTV News. "I want to do more."

Because this study didn't measure the release of endorphins, researchers say their next step is to conduct more tests that control the release of the natural opiate.

If blocking endorphins coincides with the disappearance of a preference for the UV-emitting tanning beds, Feldman says he'll be better able to conclude people's sun worshipping is more than skin deep.