As the summer comes into full swing (at least for the Northern Hemisphere) you’ll undoubtedly be shedding those clothes and heading outside to get that soft, golden tan you richly desire. But is that bronzed look the only thing drawing you under those vibrant summer rays? Well, at least a couple of research groups are suggesting that there might be something more going on.

Last summer scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston demonstrated that repetitive sun exposure (and tanning bed exposure) may be a kind of addiction. In this study, researchers interviewed frequent tanners using a modified questionnaire tool typically designed to diagnose drug or alcohol addiction. They found surprising similarities between the two groups.

This finding is interesting but we here at The Beauty Brains don’t put much stock in single studies, especially ones based on psychological data. The problem with this type of data is that it is so variable from person to person. Additionally, the researchers could offer no evidence as to why people would be addicted to tanning.

But now, another group may have just found a possible, scientific cause. Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center conducted this study that looked at the feel-good effects of UV exposure. They found that some people actually experienced withdrawal symptoms when they were deprived of the UV exposure.

The reason suggested is that UV exposure releases endorphins in your body which makes you feel really good. It’s the same chemical responsible for the “runner’s high” that some long distance runners experience.

Unfortunately, excessive UV exposure is bad for you causing all sorts of maladies such as wrinkling, dry skin, age spots, and skin cancer. If you find you have a sun tan addiction, start weaning yourself off now. Limit your sun exposure and by all means wear a good sunblock. To get that great tan look consider using one of the many sunless tanners out there. They work much better than they use to.