"Tanorexia" is a real disease , 9 Secrets Tanning Salons Don't Want You to Know

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9 Secrets Tanning Salons Don't Want You to Know

Indoor tanning can cost you your healthy skin and your life, so how are these salons staying in business? Find out

July 26, 2011 | by Anna Jimenez | 71 COMMENTS

"Tanorexia" is a real disease

A disorder that means a tanned person never feels like they are "tan enough" is a real issue; one that has garnered the street term, "tanorexia."

In a study published in the "Archives of Dermatology," behavioral scientists found that a subgroup of college students who tanned indoors showed tell-tale signs of a substance-related disorder -- meaning they were hooked on tanning the same way people are addicted to drugs and alcohol. These frequent tanners, or "tanorexics," were also "more likely to report moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression than their peers who were not addicted to tanning or did not tan at all," says "Time" magazine.

All of the addicted students polled knew that they could develop skin cancer from using tanning beds, but 98 percent said the risk didn't prevent them from wanting to be more tan.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Salons don't turn "tanorexics" away

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UGH! I hate reading articles like this. I love being tan and love laying in that tanning bed for 15 minutes of relaxing me time. But I know that it is sucha bad thing to do! Why? Why are all the good things we love so bad for us?!?!

by PrincessKim81 Friday, March 22, 2013 at 10:51AM Report as inappropriate

75% of Americans have a vitamin D deficiency because of stupid articles like this! A lack of vitamin D, sunburns, spray tans and sunscreen all cause cancer. People really need to start thinking for themselves!

by Kelly_K Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 05:07PM Report as inappropriate

Very interesting to read

by Candice11 Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 02:31AM Report as inappropriate

good to know

by butterfly11 Friday, March 15, 2013 at 05:09PM Report as inappropriate

super good things to know here. next time will definitely just go for the spray tan

by treehugger1997 Friday, March 1, 2013 at 02:41PM Report as inappropriate

Well I'm glad I don't tan in any way now

by thequietnoise Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 12:20PM Report as inappropriate

Ha!!!! Most of this information is CRAP and the last slide about spray tanning proves it!! Spray tanning involves a compound called DHA which is a derivitave from sugar cane. It causes an oxidization affect with the top layer of dead skin. It does not in ANY way stimulate the production of melanin!! Research both sides before you throw your opinion in the ring! Don't be fooled into believing that Cancer societies and Dermatologists aren't being funded BIG TIME by sunscreen manufacturers! But go ahead, drive the fear while telling people it's safe to slather on chemical laden sunscreens! Double standard? I think so!

by jellybean__111 Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 04:40PM Report as inappropriate

Good info

by EricaF123 Friday, December 28, 2012 at 05:06PM Report as inappropriate

girl get out of that tanning bed

by LittleBunny Friday, December 21, 2012 at 11:24AM Report as inappropriate

Wow, what a fun read! I'm going to make my friends read this!

by Snowwhitessecret Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at 12:47PM Report as inappropriate

Have never tanned in my life. Feels great.

by Lamexicana1 Saturday, December 1, 2012 at 08:18AM Report as inappropriate

no more tanning.

by lilas Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 02:34PM Report as inappropriate

Spray tans cause cancer now. They aren't very up to date on their information.

by Chris213 Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 07:09AM Report as inappropriate

gross!

by asiagirl4ever Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 09:38AM Report as inappropriate

Hah the only time I would tan is never.

by michellefuentes Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 05:41PM Report as inappropriate

I live in Montreal, and tan seasonally. Less than half of the year. I much prefer getting actual sun-tans but if it isn't hot enough, I admit I do the fake n bake. I tell myself that it is better than doing it year round, and my skin gets a break during the winter. The truth is, I feel better when I am tanned. I have clearer skin, a glow, I think it actually releases endorphins. The 'tan in a bottle' usually go on orange-ish and washes off when you wash your hands, and makes a mess. Sorry I am not sold on those products. I found a decent one but that is because it was not that noticably darker on my skin, I only use it when theres no time for a tan. I think its called natural glow. I advise people who opt for the darker more obvious ones that if you are going to be in certain intimate situations, it might kind of gross out your partner to see brown water coming off your skin in the shower! lol. I wish there were other options.

by beachbonbon Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 09:10PM Report as inappropriate

I quit tanning last year. I burned my face twice because I didnt know that using retin a increased your chances of getting burned. I would rather be pale and use my retin a thank you :)

by rachel_harville Friday, August 10, 2012 at 02:29PM Report as inappropriate

I've used "tanning lotions" and they did nothing to accelerate my tan. I know I shouldn't use a tanning bed, but I still do occasionally.

by LipglossandSpandex Friday, July 20, 2012 at 10:40PM Report as inappropriate

Good article! For those that ssay they go for Vitamin D and think they'll live longer because of it...you can take a supplement for that! Also being out in the sun light for moderate amounts of time will give your body the Vitamin D that you need. If you are concerned about your levels ask your doctor and he can test you to see if your body is where it needs to be. Vitamin D is no excuse for getting in a tanning bed.

by mhw Wednesday, July 11, 2012 at 01:18PM Report as inappropriate

Sounds really gross to be in a tanning bed, for sure!

by benbri1 Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 05:39PM Report as inappropriate

Despite all the negative information, I will still tan once in a while. I think that spray tan is definitely the way to go, but I believe it does look more natural if you have a base tan. I"ll probably start taking my own cleaner though! I agree with micdaley the vitamin D is good for you.

by flirtygirl214 Saturday, July 7, 2012 at 11:40AM Report as inappropriate

I'll keep tanning year round moderately to keep my vitamin D levels up, so we'll see who lives a longer and healthier life. Very biased article if you ask me.

by micdaley Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 12:23PM Report as inappropriate

I'm so glad I don't tan any more!

by Karica4 Friday, June 1, 2012 at 10:44PM Report as inappropriate

I need to stay away from the tanning beds...great article!

by glamgirlseven Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 10:21PM Report as inappropriate

i barely tan anymore... now that my skin looks so much better and smoother . i always thught going tanning will be the answer to fixing my blemishes and have that illusion to making me thin... NOw before i think about tanning i think it may look good now but how about when im 40 thats 4 years away. So this is very insightful i always thought it was a scam.. your basically microwaving your insides the problems may not come over night maybe in form of a burn but the long term effects.... yuck. id rather have a leather purse not leather arms thank you but no thank you !!!

by tanje_zammiello Monday, May 14, 2012 at 02:58PM Report as inappropriate

When the salon I worked in got tanning beds, we had to go to a class to learn how to operate them and time exposure limits. I remember like it was yesterday, our instructor's very first words were, " there is NO such thing as a safe tan and that absolutlely includes tanning beds!" We know so much more now about the dangers of the beds. My advice, spray on!

by Crystal0107 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 02:22PM Report as inappropriate

Excellent Article!!!!

by PinkGirl76 Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 09:44AM Report as inappropriate

Very informative article! :)

by MissXu Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at 05:05PM Report as inappropriate

ive seen tanorexia.....its bad

by olkrav319 Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 06:53PM Report as inappropriate

Until now I have never even thought about tanning!!!!!

by lidia_hurtado Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at 04:05PM Report as inappropriate

Nice article

by Areta Friday, April 13, 2012 at 09:03AM Report as inappropriate

My doctor warned me never to go into a tanning bed and so did my mom. I am glad that I listened to them.

by beautybody Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 06:11PM Report as inappropriate

Very nice article.

by achatzinikolaou Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 06:54AM Report as inappropriate

Excellent article about the dangers of tanning! If you have to tan, spray is the way to go.

by WiccanLady Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 09:28AM Report as inappropriate

WONDERFUL information! Thank you for promoting SMART beauty - really proud of Totalbeauty.

by amelda72 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 09:27PM Report as inappropriate

I agree, this just confirms it, I will never use a tanning bed

by jezhicka Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 09:09PM Report as inappropriate

great article, I would never use a tanning bed anyway but this article just gave me so many more reasons not to

by sportimonki13 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 01:31PM Report as inappropriate

a girl at my church picked up a staph infection on her face from a tanning bed ..This was last year and she had to take mega antibiotics..Can't remember the name but it was a flesh eating germ. Be careful people.

by mimi2rylan Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 01:02PM Report as inappropriate

Scary! something we should always be aware of! I gave up tanning a few years ago. I miss it but i'm so glad I don't do it anymore!

by ladyboarder9669 Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 12:25PM Report as inappropriate

I am a tanorexic and the more articles I read like these the more I am beginning to get scared - I had my derm do a skin check, no suspicious moles but age spots and chest and face wrinkles starting...I am 25! Sampling a few different self tanners...

by glamgirlseven Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 11:20PM Report as inappropriate

I use to work in the tanning industry for over 10 years and luckily I do not have any serve skin damage. I was highly addicted to tanning and always buying the most up to date tanning lotions and spending God knows how much wasted money on this crap!!! I'm now 36 years old although most people tell me I still look like Im 25 years old, I can personally see the brown spots on my skin, especially on my face! Thank goodness for full coverage make-up! But I do go to my dermatologist at least 2 times a year for check ups since I've tanned in the beds for so long! I'm scared that the years of laying in those "death beds" will eventually catch up to me! I know I cant turn back time, but If I could have it to do all over again, I would of never used those tanning beds nor would I have never worked in the tanning industry!!! Now I'm doing everything I possibly can to prevent any more skin damage on myself!!! I know I cant reverse what damages I have done to my skin, but I'm for sure taking the best care of my skin from hear on out!!! GREAT ARTICLE!!!

by PinkGirl76 Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 10:05PM Report as inappropriate

Very informative!

by lwagner120 Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 12:58PM Report as inappropriate

Tanorexia is for sure a real thing and I was this close to becoming one! Luckily i gave that crap up years ago!

by ladyboarder9669 Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 01:04PM Report as inappropriate

This was very informative. Personally, I think that tanning is not good for you in any form. We all need a little sun, but most go to extremes that will turn up on your skin later in life. It's best to get sun in any form in moderation.

by voyager24 Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 12:46PM Report as inappropriate

I still wouldn't call Tanorexia a "disease". Is more of a psychological/ social issue. There's no virus or bacteria ravaging their body... there's no genetic abnormality either. Unless you can it predisposition to be addicted a disease. tanning beds are scary. You are literally being baked like in a toaster oven. I wonder if any has ever tried to cook an egg in one or make toast. I seriously don't get how people wouldn't feel claustrophobic especially as bright lights are burning you slowly.

by Minibear Friday, January 6, 2012 at 01:15PM Report as inappropriate

"TANOREXIA" IS A REAL DISEASE. Wow, did not know that. Luckily, I don't tan at all. Maybe get a spray tan, but that's probably it.

by MissXu Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 04:14PM Report as inappropriate

I completely agree that tanning (whether indoors OR outdoors, by the way) is an unhealthy practice. Obviously. We all know the more you tan in any manner, whether indoor or outdoor, the more likely you are to develop skin cancer of some kind. It is also encourages early wrinkles and fine lines, as well as "leathery" skin. I know a young lady in her 20's that has tanned since High School and already has skin cancer. I also know of a bride-to-be (did not know her personally, but knew her friend) who was so obsessed with being tan for her wedding, that she went to 3-4 different tanning beds every day for a couple weeks. She died. This must be taken serisouly. BUT. Each of us are free to make our own decisions. I choose to not be pale. I tan indoors 1-2 per week. I use lotion to prevent my skin from drying out or becoming "leathery." Alcohol, smoking, overeating, not exercising, and tanning can all be extremely unhealthy practices. I suggest a bit of common sense and moderation. If you are an indiviidual that is unable to judge how much is too much- then you should stay away from all of these behaviours. Just be smart.

by ohiobeauty Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 03:51PM Report as inappropriate

I haven't been in a tanning bed since high school and do not regret that decision one bit. I honestly don't know why I ever went tanning indoors in the first place. What a waste of money.

by jordanmarie Monday, October 31, 2011 at 02:25PM Report as inappropriate

Tanning beds are just bad. I wish that I had never gone as a teenager because maybe I wouldn't be dealing with the results of it at this point in time. Tan skin wasn't worth it.

by taryn.romero Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at 11:24AM Report as inappropriate

Just go natural people! I have very fair skin and it's taken nearly 20 years, but I actually appreciate it now and wear sunscreen daily.

by vfalkow Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 01:28PM Report as inappropriate

Tanning beds are bad period. They do cause cancer and harm to your skin, why not just love what you were born with?

by itzelc18 Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 06:12PM Report as inappropriate

My grandpa and one of my friends had skin cancer and had to have spots removed :(

by LipglossandSpandex Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 11:29PM Report as inappropriate

@Ruth -- I'm guessing you're a tanorexic then? Or maybe you own a tanning salon? Or maybe they're a client? Since you're a big fan of Darque Tan on Facebook, I'm betting it's one or more of those. Your Vitamin D content sounds like something taken straight from the indoor tanning lobby group. The Vitamin D argument is meant to distract consumers from the other risks of indoor tanning, related to the UVA rays. You only refer to UV rays -- knowing, of course, that's the UVB rays that stimulate Vitamin D production, not the UVA rays. And tanning salons ratchet up the UVA rays. This article does not advocate sun abstinence, as you disingenuously assert in order to try to link sunshine and indoor tanning. They are not the same thing. Your average light-skinned person needs 20 minutes of sunshine a WEEK to produce adequate levels of Vitamin D. She does not need to tan -- and your own lobbying group admits that. I trust dermatologists, not lobbyists.

by Kebnabi Friday, August 12, 2011 at 11:06AM Report as inappropriate

So many people still believe that tanning in a bed is safer, offers sun protection when used before outdoor sun exposure, clears up and prevents acne (would have liked to have seen this addressed in this article) and treats/prevents seasonal affective disorder (again would liked to have seen addressed.) Its sad people are so misinformed. As an aesthetician I see horrendous sun damage every day.

by KristinD Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 03:55AM Report as inappropriate

I can't give this article enough THUMBS UP! It's only a matter of time before those nasty catty wenches in high school end up looking like crisped hags in 10 years.. That's what people get for not appreciating what God gave them!

by carascrows Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 10:23PM Report as inappropriate

“So why do Americans continue to subject themselves to the wrath of tanning beds?” Because everything in your article is complete fabrication and the 30 million Americans who tan know it. Tanning beds have never cost anyone their life- EVER! Not a single person. It has never even been shown that anyone has contracted melanoma from a tanning bed. Despite your attempts to sell sunscreen based on an irrational fear of sunshine, and using professional tanning salons as a scapegoat for your clause, Americans know better and can see through this obvious misinformation. They know that we all need sunshine for optimal health and now the connection to vitamin D is everywhere in the medical press. Every cell in your body has a vitamin D receptor which is designed to produce vitamin D when exposed to UV light, indoors or outdoors. Optimal vitamin D levels are one of the single most important indicators of overall health. Get some sun; Don’t sunburn. Stay healthy and ignore the nonsense written by “authors” that advocate sun abstinence.

by ruth_netanel Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 10:37AM Report as inappropriate

Fantastic article! More people should read this.

by benbri1 Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 04:21PM Report as inappropriate

very good info some i did not know ,

by sandyc Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 03:16PM Report as inappropriate

I can def see how anorexia is real. I swear during my early 20s I was totally addicted to tanning beds and everyone would always tell me how dark I was but I was always trying to get darker...

by ladyboarder9669 Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 01:09PM Report as inappropriate

I would VERY occasionally tan when I was 18-20ish during the wnter months, but finally realized that even minimal tanning bed usage is just dumb! With all of the research, why would you willingly put yourself at such a high risk for cancer, much less the visible skin damage. I still know people who just have to have that tan and just shake my head at them b/c I know they know it's dangers and just ignore them.

by laura_schulz Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 11:43AM Report as inappropriate

After I started to get some brown spots on my body after tanning for years, I vowed never again. I was so afraid that the bumps were skin cancr, luckily for me they were age spots, but still they are nasty.

by Only1KimmieD Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 11:28AM Report as inappropriate

I had a really bad experience with tanning 2 years ago when I blacked out on the way out of a tanning booth and fell like piece of meat down on the ceramic floor(I was naked)...and I stayed there laying for about 20 minutes and nobody came to check up on me...When I woke up with a huge bump on my head I called a taxi for myself, puked really hard when I got home and had severe headaches and stomach pain for 2 days...No tanning for me,EVER!

by selma Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 10:40AM Report as inappropriate

I honestly use to tan about 5 years ago and I admit it was addicting I am glad I stopped

by porsha_coleman_mcdaniels Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 09:38PM Report as inappropriate

I like my fair skin, thank you very much.

by Bon_Bon Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 07:58PM Report as inappropriate

Glad I don't go to the salon to tan, eek!

by MissPurple Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 01:27PM Report as inappropriate

I live in Arizona, and when I was in college, I would always overhear girls talking about how they loved to go to tanning beds frequently. I thought they were ridiculous because here in AZ, the sun in highly intense nearly 9 months of the year. I get tanned if I'm outside for more than 5 minutes.

by volta Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 10:45PM Report as inappropriate

Tanning beds are SO bad. Glad I kicked the habit!

by LittleBunny Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 04:51PM Report as inappropriate

Reading this article made me think of the tobacco industry and what the companies did to increase sales even though studies revealed how dangerous smoking is to your health. With all the great self tanners out there, don't risk your life ladies, its just not worth it!

by attagirl Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 04:43PM Report as inappropriate

Reading this article made me think of the tobacco industry and what the companies did to increase sales after studies showed how dangerous it is. With all the great self tanners out there, don't risk your life ladies, its just not worth it!

by attagirl Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 04:36PM Report as inappropriate

Great info I am glad that I don't used tanning beds, there really is no reason to.

by RoleModel Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 02:00PM Report as inappropriate

I can totally related to this article. I use the tanning bed but the one thing about this article is that the tanning salon people do ask how easily you burn and recommend you start at 5 minutes so you don't burn as easily- but this article was very interesting..and I feel a little grossed out about all the germs that could be in the bed ew! I had no idea that the spray tan was bad for your skin either! That's insane! So I guess the safest way to get a tan is sunless tanners/bronzers.

by crystal_weisner Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 01:44PM Report as inappropriate

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