Why Indoor Tanning Won’t Cure SAD

woman relaxing in a solarium while tanning her skin

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons of the year, typically in the fall and winter months when daylight hours are shorter. Many individuals suffering from SAD seek various treatments to alleviate their symptoms, including the use of indoor tanning beds. However, the notion that indoor tanning can cure SAD has been a hot topic of discussion, debating whether it is true or not.

Do tanning beds help with seasonal depression, or is this just merely a myth? Join us as we discuss the relationship of indoor tanning and Seasonal Affective Disorder while understanding the potential side effects of using a tanning bed for SAD.

Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mood disorder characterized by a recurrent pattern of depressive episodes that coincide with seasonal changes. According to the American Psychiatric Association, symptoms of SAD can include feelings of hopelessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, and weight gain. 

Although the specific cause of SAD remains unknown, it is believed that the decrease in sunlight during winter disrupts the body’s internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm. A disrupted circadian rhythm also negatively impacts the production of serotonin, the brain chemical that influences mood, possibly triggering depression due a drop in serotonin levels. 

There are risk factors that may increase the risk of SAD, including family history and having other mental disorders such as major depression or bipolar disorder. It has also been observed that individuals who live far from the equator are more likely to develop SAD due to the shorter daylight hours and less sunlight during the winter in these areas.   

Seasonal Affective Disorder is more than just the “winter blues.” It is a serious condition that can impact an individual’s way of thinking and living. Just like any other mental disorder, SAD requires proper treatment to combat its symptoms. In recent years, people have been experimenting with using a tanning bed for SAD.

What is Indoor Tanning?

Indoor tanning involves the use of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from tanning beds to achieve a tan and bronzed appearance. Typically found in salons, gyms, and spas – tanning beds are very popular across Western countries such as Northern Europe, Canada, and the United States. Most indoor tanners are women, ranging from 16 to 25 years old, who use tanning beds mainly for cosmetic purposes. 

Since indoor tanning uses UV light to produce a tan, it is a source of UV radiation which has been known to cause skin cancer, skin aging, and other skin conditions such as sunburn and photodrug reactions. In the United States, individuals have been sent to the emergency room due to injuries caused by tanning beds. Nonetheless, tanning beds are still widely used up to this day. 

Light Exposure: The Myth of Using A Tanning Bed for Seasonal Depression

Throughout time, many individuals started to believe that exposure to UV light can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression, including those associated with SAD. Light exposure plays a crucial role in regulating mood and emotional well-being, which is why reduced exposure to sunlight during the winter months can lead to decreased serotonin levels, contributing to the onset of SAD. 

While it is true that UV radiation stimulates the body to produce feelings of happiness due to the release of endorphins, it is only a temporary feeling that does not weigh out the risks of indoor tanning. These “highs” that individuals feel after indoor tanning go away in a matter of minutes, which is why indoor tanners always feel the need to use the tanning bed again, further increasing both the physical and psychological risks of indoor tanning.   

The Risks of Indoor Tanning

Whether or not tanning helps with depression, research has identified the risks and effects of indoor training to one’s physical and mental health. 

The Physical Effects 

Using a tanning bed for seasonal depression poses several health risks that outweigh any benefits for individuals with SAD. The most significant concern is the increased risk of skin cancer associated with UV exposure. The World Health Organization has classified tanning beds as a group 1 carcinogen, suggesting that indoor tanning can cause cancer in humans and serious health implications.

In addition to the risk of skin cancer, indoor tanning can lead to other adverse health effects, including premature skin aging and immune system suppression. Indoor tanning has been associated with eye damage, including cataracts, photokeratitis, and eye cancer. These risks are particularly concerning for individuals who are older and already have pre-existing health conditions. 

Indoor tanning can alter the overall texture of the skin, making it rougher and more prone to sagging. Constant exposure to UV radiation can dry out the skin and reduce its natural moisture, causing it to become dry and flaky. This is not ideal for young indoor tanners whose young skin is already at risk of skin damage and aging. 

The Psychological Effects

So, does tanning help with depression? While some individuals may experience a temporary boost in mood after tanning, this feeling is often short-lived and can lead to a cycle of dependency on tanning for emotional relief. This dependency on tanning can develop a tanning addiction, known as tanorexia, leading individuals to seek excessive UV exposure despite the risks. 

This addiction can create a vicious cycle where individuals feel compelled to tan to feel better, only to face the long-term consequences of their choices. Individuals may experience feelings of guilt and regret, finding themselves trapped in a harmful cycle of using indoor tanning to alleviate their symptoms of SAD. 

Aside from addiction, indoor tanning has also been associated with body image and self-esteem, enabling societal pressures related to certain beauty standards that favor tanned skin. This can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem among individuals with SAD, driving them to seek out indoor tanning even more as it is only a temporary cosmetic enhancement. 

Alternative Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Indoor tanning is not only ineffective in treating SAD, but it is also incredibly harmful to the overall health of an individual. There are other ways to treat SAD that are more effective and less risky than indoor tanning, including medications, counseling programs, and light therapy.

Medications

Medication, such as antidepressants, may be prescribed for individuals with severe symptoms of SAD, providing additional support during the winter months. Combining medication with lifestyle changes such as exercise and a healthy diet can enhance the treatment and management of SAD.

Counseling Programs

Seeking guidance and help from a professional is one of the most common ways in treating mental health disorders such as SAD. Regular counseling sessions can help individuals with SAD cope with the challenges and symptoms of the disorder, as well as develop strategies for managing it. Talking to someone about

In some cases, therapists will incorporate specific psychological treatments into the individual’s counseling program, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT has been shown to be effective in treating SAD – focusing on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors related to depression. This therapeutic approach empowers individuals to take control of their mental health and develop resilience in overcoming the challenges of SAD.

The Light Box: Light Therapy

Light therapy remains one of the most effective treatments for SAD, providing individuals with the necessary light exposure to regulate their mood and circadian rhythms. Light therapy can be done using a light box, a portable light source that provides up to 10,000 lux and is up to 10 to 25 times as bright as ordinary lighting. A light box uses a bright artificial light that mimics natural sunlight, and has been shown to be an effective treatment for SAD. 

This therapy is often recommended as a first-line treatment for SAD and can be easily integrated into daily routines, especially for individuals who are unable to acquire natural light due to seasonal changes and other valid reasons. Light therapy typically involves sitting in front of a light box for a specified period each day, usually around 30 minutes each morning to help regulate the body’s internal clock and improve mood. 

Finding Happiness with The Light Box

Going back to the main question of, “do tanning beds help with seasonal depression?” – It is clear that indoor tanning only provides temporary relief with a series of harmful risks to one’s overall health, making it a dangerous option for treating SAD. 

Unlike indoor tanning, light therapy is a controlled and effective approach to treating SAD. It is portable, convenient, and safe to use daily. Trusted by doctors and therapists, a light box is highly recommended as a viable and healthy alternative to managing SAD. 

Individuals with SAD can work towards improving their mental health and overall well-being during the challenging winter months by seeking the right solutions to happiness. Prioritize your mental health during these seasonal changes by investing in the brightest medical grade light therapy devices made by Alaska Northern Lights.

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