Send us a textThe summer sun beckons with its warm embrace, but that golden tan comes with a hidden cost. Dr. Holly Thacker dives deep into the phenomenon known as "tanorexia" – the addiction to tanning that has serious health implications many don't recognize until it's too late.This addiction isn't merely psychological. When your skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation, your body releases endorphins – those feel-good neurochemicals that create a genuine physical dependency. "People can actually get addicted to this," Dr. Thacker explains, drawing parallels between tanorexia and other recognized addictive behaviors.Whether you're concerned about your own tanning habits or protecting children's delicate skin, this episode delivers practical, science-backed advice for maintaining healthy skin while still enjoying outdoor activities. Because as Dr. Thacker reminds us, all natural complexions are beautiful – it's about being "happy in your own skin" while keeping that skin healthy for years to come.Support the show

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