The significance of sunblock is widely recognized today—its importance echoed in magazines, healthcare facilities, and playgrounds nationwide. So why, despite these warnings, have skin cancer rates continued to climb for the past three decades? Writer Lisa Thompson delves into this dilemma in her article for Allure magazine, “The Alarming Factors Behind Increasing Skin Cancer Rates.”
Raised in sunny California, Thompson identifies as a “shade-seeking enthusiast.” Her caution towards sun exposure stems from her mother’s battle with skin cancer, the most prevalent type of cancer in the United States. “I carried the weight of her diagnosis like a permanent sunhat throughout my youth,” Thompson reflects, “fully aware of my own heightened risk.” Although she understands the critical need for sun protection, she questions why her friends, who are equally informed, often venture to the beach without proper sunscreen or indulge in tanning beds.
The answer may be linked to the brain’s favorite neurotransmitters: indeed, UV exposure releases endorphins. “For those who tan regularly,” Thompson observes, “they become addicted to that warm, euphoric sensation.” Research from Dr. Sarah James at the University of Chicago reveals a genetic component to tanning addiction, showing that tanning can trigger brain changes similar to those seen in addictive behaviors.
Like Thompson, I also seek refuge from the sun—mainly because my fair skin burns easily. I prefer to think of myself as a “shade devotee,” yet I have been known to brave the beach clad in a large men’s shirt, a sarong, and a wide-brimmed hat. I often feel out of place at the beach—the overly cautious one—and I’ve pondered why others seem unfazed by excessive sun exposure. Perhaps they experience a high while I suffer from sunburn.
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In summary, the fascination with tanning can be attributed to both societal norms and biological responses, revealing a deeper connection to addiction that many might not recognize.