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This is going to sound crazy, but the other night my boyfriend and I were talking about our favorite compliments we like to hear, and I realized that I love when people tell me I look tan. Being told I look tan makes me feel better than if someone told me I was smart or beautiful. How weird is that? And then I thought about what people said they were doing over spring break and several people said "laying in a tanning bed." So what is the obsession with tanning? In my opinion, I enjoy going tanning (especially in the winter) because it's hot, and I feel like I look prettier and healthier when I'm tan. I also heard that getting so much exposure to UV Rays a day can boost your dopamine levels, making you happier and refreshed. Another plus to tanning? The 15-20 minute rest you get while laying there. And they play music in the tanning bed which, according to Shelly's Sex and Music article, can release the same chemicals in your brain as having sex. I know most of you are going to say, "Tanning gives you cancer" and trust me, I'm well aware. I've had several moles already removed for looking "suspicious." But somehow, I don't care. I guess to me, the benefits outweigh the risks when it comes to tanning. What do you guys think about tanning? Why do you think so many people (especially girls) continue to go tanning even after knowing all the risks involved?
I am completely against tanning. I've never done it, but I had the same mole removed 3 times because it kept coming back. It was never cancerous, but the third time I had what seemed like a small chunk of my thigh removed (with 3 internal and 3 external stitches). Needless to say, I don't want to ever repeat that experience so I layer on the SPF.
ReplyDeleteI think this whole issue is really interesting because being fair-skinned used to be a sign of wealth in society because you didn't have to work out in the fields under the sun. Anymore it means you're too poor to afford to travel or live near a beach. Signs of the changing times I guess!
I'm also interested in why guys don't feel the need to tan as much. I know some do, but why do they???
I'm in the same boat as you, I really love the compliments I get what I'm tan, and looking/feeling healthier as well. I try not to tan very often anymore unless I'm going on vacation or am going to a special event but sometimes I still do it because I think I look disgusting when I'm pale. I'm happy that I don't go as much anymore because I was literally obsessed with it in 8th grade...yeah I know, that's a bit young but I was starting to get bad acne (or what I thought was bad) and was told it would help because it dries out your skin on the surface. I would literally go for two weeks each month and have anxiety if I didn't go as much as I wanted to. I guess you can consider that addictive behavior, which I think is another downfall of tanning besides the whole health issue. I really do think it becomes an obsession for people, especially those who work at tanning beds. I don't think they realize that they look completely ridiculous because they are so orange but I guess they like how they look and that's all that matters with some people.
ReplyDeleteShelly you make a good point about how being pale used to signify wealth. I don't know why people care so much about being tan. Especially now that Jersey Shore made being TOO tan a big no-no, haha. I just feel like there are certain people who just look good paler and can really pull it off, but I am not one of those people! When I'm pale I feel like I look sick and I have to wear more make up to look tan which usually ends up looking even worse. And Meredith I've heard that same thing about acne and I still like to hope it's true! :) And you're so right, it does become an addiction and I think once people get to a certain point they probably don't realize how tan they really are, you know? It's just like any other addiction really. Hmm, could be a good article.
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