General

Frequent tanning can alter brain activity

Patterns resemble those of drug addiction

Frequent exposure to ultraviolet radiation can actually become addictive, according to new research in an upcoming issue of the journal Addiction Biology. In fact, the New York Times reports, people who often use tanning beds show changes in their brain activity that looks similar to what happens in the brains of drug addicts. Several parts of the brain related to addiction were activated when subjects—who liked to tan at least three times a week and said being tanned was important to them—were exposed to UV rays. This could help explain why some people tan frequently even though the dangers, including increased risk of skin cancer, premature aging and wrinkles, are known.

New York Times

 

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