A beautiful, even tan on the body looks very attractive, giving the skin a pleasant golden sheen. But it is important to know the measure, because by overdoing it with a tan, a person runs the risk of looking unnatural and ridiculous. Moreover, dependence on ultraviolet rays, which is called tanorexia, can develop. This psychological illness manifests itself among people who go to the solarium more than twice a week and stay there for at least 10 minutes. Because of this addiction, tanning enthusiasts put themselves at risk, because it is known that excessive exposure to the solarium can be detrimental to health.
Tanorexia is one of the newest mental illnesses that appeared only in our century in connection with the development of civilization.
What is tanorexia?
In translation from English, "tan" means sunburn, and "anorexia" is a mental illness characterized by an altered idea of one's body. So, tanorexia is an addictive behavior, consisting in an obsessive desire to sunbathe. The desire to have dark skin is so great that this disease is equated with other addictions: alcoholism, workaholism, shopaholism, etc.
Everyone knows that the sun is the source of life. Without heat and light, plants, animals cannot grow, and, of course, people also really need the sun's rays. First, the sun is uplifting and is the best remedy for seasonal depression. Secondly, the sun strengthens the body and improves immunity. Thirdly, the sun kills bacteria and even helps to reduce body weight. And, of course, under the influence of the sun, skin imperfections, especially teenage acne, are less noticeable.
In connection with the above, it is not surprising that teenagers suffer from tanorexia, although recently there has been an "epidemic" among middle-aged people of both sexes. By the way, in some Western countries, the government has banned young people under 18 from visiting the solarium without the permission of their parents. A very effective method of dealing with growing psychological illness!
How to define tanorexia?
Firstly, by the frequency of visits to the solarium or the beach. Those suffering from tanorexia visit the solarium at least 2 times a week for more than 10 minutes.
Secondly, by an inadequate assessment of their appearance. Those suffering from tanorexia constantly feel that they are too white, not tanned enough. Their idea of the color of their skin does not match the real state of affairs.
Thirdly, a significant investment of money in maintaining a tan. Those suffering from tanorexia spend a significant part of their income on various cosmetics to maintain a tan.
What is the fear of tanorexia?
Of course, like any addiction, tanorexia makes any person unfree, he does not feel the fullness of life, does not enjoy it enough, forms inadequate behavior. But in addition to mental illness, tanorexia is fraught with physical consequences for health. So sunstroke, sunburn are possible, the skin becomes dry and ages faster, the thyroid gland is disrupted, and the worst thing is the risk of developing skin cancer.
To benefit from the sun, you must adhere to the well-known and banal rules: do not go out in the sun at lunchtime, use protective cosmetics and other methods of sun protection (panama hat, umbrella, etc.), if possible, do not go to the solarium or visit him in a course once every half a year for 5 visits.
Be beautiful and healthy!
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