Of course, it’s not just about class, appearances or a taste for Sauvignon Blanc; the addictiveness of carcinogens plays a role: “Tanning is addictive and there’s actually a biological explanation,” says Dr Clare Kiely, a consultant dermatologist and cofounder of The Skin Diary. She explains that when the body is exposed to UV radiation, it triggers a process that results in the release of endorphins, hormones that create a sense of “euphoria”. For many, the glow isn’t just about looking good — it’s about feeling good, too: “I’m normally in a better mood after a sunbed,” confirms Ella, who agrees this “mood-boosting” effect is a big factor in why people feel addicted to sunbeds. Lisa echoes this, telling me she enjoys the light and “me-time” of being on a sunbed: “It’s like dreaming myself away to a beach.”
