Why do sunbeds make you feel good?

Author: Ms. Vicenta Quigley III  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Indoor tanning is more addictive than you might think. The allure lies in the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals triggered by exposure to UV rays. When you're basking under those warm lights, your brain gets a surge of these mood-enhancing chemicals, creating a euphoric sensation.

Why do tanning beds feel so good?

The reason I feel so refreshed and happy afterwards is due to the vitamin D that the bed provides. Not only does vitamin D help with anxiety, but it also gives you healthy bones and teeth and ensures better immunity, according to Best Health magazine.

Why do I feel good after a sunbed?

Exposure to UV light has been shown to increase the production of serotonin, the body's natural “feel-good” hormone. Many people report feeling more relaxed and less stressed after a session. This psychological boost can be particularly beneficial during the dark, gloomy winter season.

Why does tanning make you feel good?

UV ray exposure releases endorphins in your body, which promotes a sense of well-being, a “feel good” emotion. Along with that, you get a healthy dose of vitamin D, which is important for your bones, blood cells, and immune system. It makes sense why tanning makes us feel good!

What is 10 minutes on a sunbed equivalent to?

Ten minutes in a sunbed can be roughly equivalent to 1-2 hours in natural sunlight, depending on factors like sunbed intensity and skin type. However, this varies widely based on geographical location, time of day, and weather conditions. Always adhere to recommended exposure times to minimise skin damage risks.

Facing The Consequences Of Being A Sunbed Addict

Are there benefits to sunbeds?

It's crucial to recognise that the health benefits associated with exposure to natural sunlight, such as heightened Vitamin D production, diminished inflammation, improved skin conditions, reduced blood pressure, and enhanced heart health, can be effectively replicated through sunbed use.

What not to do after tanning bed?

Avoid using harsh or fragranced products immediately after tanning, as they may further irritate the skin.

Do sunbeds help with anxiety?

Sunbeds are great for stress relief

Responsible use of sunbeds may increase the production of endorphins, a group of “happy hormones” manufactured in the brain and released in the body elevating your mood. The temporary feeling of calm and relaxed could help to relieve stress levels.

Why do I look whiter after tanning?

Looking whiter or paler after sun exposure can be a reaction to intense sunlight, especially if you have a fair complexion. This phenomenon can be due to the skin redirecting blood away from the surface to reduce the impact of heat and UV radiation.

Do you get vitamin D from tanning beds?

It doesn't. The bulbs used in tanning beds emit mostly UVA light; however, your body needs UVB light to make vitamin D. To get vitamin D safely, board-certified dermatologists recommend that healthy adults get vitamin D from their diet.

Do sunbeds speed up metabolism?

It can help you lose weight – The UV lights present in a sunbed stimulate the production of nitric oxide, which in turn will boost your metabolism.

Why do I smell after a sunbed?

That after tan smell is actually a naturally occurring bacteria on your skin that reacts to intense UV light exposure.

Why is tanning addictive?

According to other studies, “The biological rationale for tanning dependence is that exposure to UV light results in both melanin, and endorphin production,” said Cartmel. The biological rationale for tanning dependence is that exposure to UV light results in both melanin, and endorphin production.

Why do I feel happy after a sunbed?

The researchers theorize that UV exposure leads to the release of chemicals in the brain called endorphins that are linked to both pain relief and euphoric feelings. "A more relaxed and less tense mood was reported after UV exposure compared to after non-UV exposure," said Feldman.

Do tanning beds make you gain weight?

Tanning Sessions Can Reduce Weight

Being exposed to sources of UV-light ensures that the metabolism in a person's body is increasing. This is done so by nudging the thyroid gland for being even more active. This increase in the metabolism more often than not reflects in a substantial weight loss for you.

Why do I feel more attractive with a tan?

The glow provided by a tan can make a face look more vibrant and therefore youthful. A tan can also help make muscles look more toned and more well defined. Today, having a tan is associated with people that have an active, outdoor lifestyle. A tan therefore makes people look healthier and fit.

Why do I look skinnier after tanning?

Similarly to how dark clothes can help you look slim, a tan can bring definition to the body, helping you look and feel thinner.

Can you take melanin to tan?

Currently, no safe or proven method exists to increase melanin – the pigment, or color, in a person's skin, hair, and eyes. A person's genetics determine their natural melanin levels and skin color.

What foods make you more tanned?

Papaya: Like carrots, orange fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, help to enhance your tan naturally thanks to its high beta-carotene levels. Melon: This refreshing fruit, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotenes will help you to keep your golden skin tone.

Why are tanning beds so relaxing?

Sun exposure triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural mood lifters. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and reduce stress.

Do sunbeds reduce wrinkles?

“I encourage all my models to avoid sunbeds as they dry out your skin, cause premature ageing and wrinkles, can often burn, and are extremely carcinogenic.

Why does tanning make me happier?

Exposure to sunlight has been linked to improve your energy and elevate your mood! Light actually boosts your serotonin levels, which is the happy hormone. When you've had a bad week, spending 10 to 15 minutes in a sunbed can help more than just your tan – it's the endorphins you get that make you feel better!

Are you supposed to flip over in a tanning bed?

No, you don't need to flip over in a tanning bed. In fact, many people tan stomach-down because it's more comfortable that way. However, if you want an evenly distributed tan, then you should flip over halfway through your session so that both sides of your body get equal exposure to the UV rays.

How to avoid bunny tail in tanning bed?

☀️Tanning Tip Tuesday☀️ How to avoid the “bunny tail” or white spots on lower back or under your arms or sides: ✅ when using a lay down bed always reposition your body every few minutes to achieve an even tan. Switch from side to side and rest your arms behind your head .

Can you take your phone on sunbeds?

Many of our clients frequently use their phones whilst lying on a sunbed whilst still wearing the sunbed goggles. In the short term this is ok to do but the temperature, humidity and frequencies emitted by the beds may possibly cause damage to the electronics of your phone.

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