As warm weather sparks our appetite, a number of pale bodies will soon prepare to lube up and lie under artificial sunlight until their skin darkens to a desired shade. It seems strange but does it sound familiar? Whether it does or not, today, we will venture to discover the costs and benefits of this bronzing phenomenon. The benefits of tanning lie in four main areas: it is a source of vitamin D, a treatment for certain skin disorders, it activates the release of endorphins and damages less deep skin tissue comparative to conventional sunbathing. To begin, sunlight creates vitamin D synthesis in the body. Vitamin D, according to the Medical College of Wisconsin, "maintain[s] normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus." In other words, vitamin D is good for your bones.

Sunlight exposure is very important to the human body, according to the National Institutes of Health, because it is the primary source of vitamin D for most individuals. Secondly, several skin disorders, like acne, psoriasis, and eczema, are treatable with moderate tanning. Nevertheless, this treatment should be prescribed by an individual's doctor.In addition to this, UV ray absorption releases endorphins in the human body which are the body's natural pain killers. Endorphins are also released when an individual works out.

This is why activities like tanning and exercise are theoretically addictive (but we will get to that later).Lastly, on a comparative analysis, the UVB rays from indoor tanning do not penetrate one's skin as deep as outdoor tanning. This is why tans from indoor sources fade quicker. Therefore, on the positive side, tanning can be quite beneficial in several ways; nevertheless, there are consequences to overuse.

The negative side of this activity is that one has a high probability to develop cancer, accelerate the aging process, and possibly, develop an addiction to tanning. It is a well-known fact that excess UV rays cause skin cancer. While cancer can be heredity-influenced, tanning can accelerate this process. This sort of issue should not be taken lightly. Individuals with pale skin or that have a history of skin cancer should take necessary precautions, prescribed by your doctor, when considering tanning inside or outside.

Next, just as everyone has seen the 30-year-old tanning bed queen that looks like a grandparent, people understand that the sun dries out and ages one's skin. Excessive sun exposure depletes the oil in your skin that keeps it flexible and youthful. In other words, that tan may look good now, but "every action has an equal and opposite reaction." Lastly, based on the endorphins explained earlier, tanning is theorized to be an addictive activity because it may give individuals an overall sense of well-being.

This sort of addiction should not be confused with tanorexia (an individual's perception that their skin is too pale). In the end, these two types of addictions are not accepted medical conditions and are thought to be caused by other variables. Nevertheless, it is always best to be informed of what could potentially happen.To conclude, I apply tanning like this - moderation with education. Do not be ignorant about what you do to yourself; it is your body and you will pay the consequences for your actions. So, know your family history, understand the risks, and then, apply it in moderation.