Most folks would agree that the obsession to have that golden tan skin is prevalent in our society. The question is why. What is the real motivation behind that craving and addition to tanning? One of my friends has a membership at a local tanning salon and tans daily. Despite the proven damage that the sun rays inflict on our skin, my friend and other sun worshippers continue to bask until their skin tone becomes bronze.

Research such as Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s 2006 study shows that UV exposure causes the skin to produce endorphins that make tanners feel good. According to Dr. Leslie Baumann M.D. in her Addicted to Tanning article, the “skin's physiological response to tanning [may have] an evolutionary explanation:” Recent studies have suggested that our ancestors could have started tanning in response to their need for adequate vitamin D levels.

Since the times of our ancestors we have learned that 20 minutes of UV exposure is enough to attain the necessary levels of vitamin D. In addition, we have access to food that contain vitamin D, therefore, we can get plenty of it through our diet. One thing is certain – the need to tan does not exist today. In fact, it is detrimental to our health because it is proven to lead to skin damage, cancer and premature aging. Consider a change in diet and time spent in the sun as an alternative to tanning and always wear a sunscreen.