The significance of sunblock is widely acknowledged these days; it’s a message that’s repeated in magazines, clinics, and parks across the nation. So why, after 30 years, do skin cancer rates continue to climb? Writer Jenna Miller delves into this perplexing question in her article for Glamour magazine, “The Alarming Reasons Behind the Increase in Skin Cancer Rates.” Miller, who grew up in sunny Florida, describes herself as a “shade-loving creature.” She attributes her aversion to the sun to her mother’s earlier struggle with skin cancer—the most prevalent cancer type in the U.S. “I wore her diagnosis like a permanent wide-brimmed hat in my childhood,” Miller reflects, “fully aware that my own risk of developing skin cancer was significant.”
She understood the importance of sun protection, yet she couldn’t help but wonder why her friends—equally informed—still flocked to the beach without sunscreen or tanned indoors in tanning salons. The answer might be linked to our favorite brain chemicals: UV exposure triggers the release of endorphins. “When someone tans regularly,” Miller notes, “they become addicted to that warm, euphoric sensation.” Research by Dr. Lisa Carter at the Stanford School of Medicine highlights that tanning can initiate changes in the brain similar to those seen in addictive behavior patterns.
Like Miller, I tend to shy away from the sun—mostly because my fair skin is prone to burning. I prefer to call myself a “shade enthusiast,” but I’ve been spotted at the beach wearing a loose white shirt, a sarong, and a wide-brimmed hat. I often feel out of place at the beach, the only one avoiding the sun while others bask without concern. Perhaps they are experiencing a rush, while I am battling a sunburn.
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In summary, while tanning may provide a temporary high for some, the risks associated with excessive sun exposure cannot be ignored. It’s crucial to prioritize our skin’s health over fleeting moments of warmth and happiness.
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