The importance of using sunblock is well-known today, with the message echoing in magazines, doctors’ offices, and playgrounds across the nation. Yet, the rates of skin cancer have been steadily increasing for the past 30 years. This puzzling phenomenon is explored in an article by writer Jenna Mason titled The Alarming Reasons for the Surge in Skin-Cancer Rates.
Mason, who grew up in sunny Florida, openly identifies as a “shade-seeking creature.” Her fear of the sun stems from her mother’s battle with skin cancer, which is the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States. “I carried my mother’s diagnosis like a permanent sunhat throughout my youth,” Mason reflects. “I understood that my own risk was quite real.” Although she recognized the significance of sun protection, she frequently questioned why her friends, who were just as informed, often chose to hit the beach without sunscreen or indulge in tanning beds.
The answer may be linked to the brain’s beloved neurotransmitters: Yes, exposure to UV rays releases endorphins. “For those who tan regularly,” Mason notes, “they become addicted to that warm, euphoric sensation.” A study by scientist Brenda Johnson at Yale School of Medicine found a genetic connection to tanning addiction, revealing that tanning triggers changes in the brain’s regions associated with addictive behaviors.
Like Mason, I too prefer to avoid the sun, mainly because my fair skin burns easily. I prefer to call myself a “shade enthusiast,” but have occasionally found myself on the beach sporting a long-sleeved white shirt, a sarong, and a floppy hat. At times, I’ve felt like an outlier—an overly cautious individual—wondering why others seemed unbothered by getting more than just “a hint of sun.” Perhaps they’ve been experiencing a thrill while I was merely enduring a sunburn.
This article was originally published on May 7, 2015.
If you’re interested in deeper insights about home insemination, check out our other post about it here. For more authoritative information on the subject, visit this resource from the CDC. You can also explore this excellent kit for home insemination.
In summary, while most people understand the risks associated with tanning, many still feel drawn to it due to the pleasurable sensations it produces, leading to patterns of behavior similar to addiction. The challenge remains to strike a balance between enjoying the sun responsibly and protecting our skin.