Dr Oz: Tanning Addiction & Tanorexia + How To Reverse Sun Damage

Dr Oz: Twins Addicted To Tanning

Addiction has the real possibility to ruin people’s lives. But one of the lesser-known addictions that many Americans live with is an addiction to tanning, also known as tanorexia. Twins Lexi and Mandy are alike in just about every possible way. They have matching license plates, matching hair, and matching tans. The women claim their platinum blonde hair and glowing tans are their trademarks, with people even calling them the “tanning twins.”

They began tanning when they were 14-years-old and now they go tanning about 5 days a week during cold weather. Neither women were comfortable with having pale skin, and believe their tans make them look healthier, more attractive, and even blonder. Although they admitted they were likely addicted to tanning, they were afraid to give it up.

Dr Oz: Tanorexia & Can’t Stop Tanning

Lexi and Mandy sat down with Dr Oz in matching red dresses and silver shoes. They explained that for them, tanning feels like a miniature vacation and even gives them a rush. When they don’t tan, they feel like something is missing and even admitted that they don’t feel as happy. As Dr Oz stated, it definitely sounded like an addiction. Because it’s actually illegal to tan as much as they are each week, they will often visit several different salons. Only one of the twins admitted to wearing sunblock at the beach while the other said she doesn’t ever wear it.

Dr Oz explained that recent research actually compared tanning addicts to drug addicts, in that they both experience biological changes inside the body. He wanted them to understand that they were experiencing a true problem that was outside of their control. Dr Oz was hoping to encourage a change by giving the women insight as to what’s going on inside their bodies, knowing that they desperately want to stay beautiful.

Dr Oz: Skin Complexion Analysis & Sun Damage

A dermatologist, Dr Doris Day, used a complexion analysis device to determine how much skin damage has occurred. Dr Oz then asked Dr Day, a world expert, to explain the results. She noticed that Lexi was wrinkling early and had a large increase in pore size. Many had a lot more sun spots as well as changes in the texture of the skin. “The sun is not your friend when it comes to your skin,” she said.

The women were actually 37-years-old but their skin was about 47-years-old. The good news is that it’s not too late to reverse some of the damage and improve the condition of their skin, and your skin as well if you’re in a similar position.

Dr Oz: Replace Bad Habits With Healthier Ones

Dr Day first suggested that the twins try slowly letting the ritual fade while replacing it with a new, healthy habit. Because it’s so much harder to quit cold turkey, she suggested eliminating one tanning session each week until they’re no longer tanning, while replacing each of those sessions with an activity like hot yoga. Hot yoga is a great activity because it provides that warm feeling and is also a form of exercise.

Within weeks, people will start to notice how much younger they look. Dr Day pointed out that you already reverse skin damage just by not damaging it any further. She also urged the women to embrace their natural skin tones.

Dr Oz: Skin Care To Repair Sun Damage

It’s also important to use a cream with retinol once a day to undo sun damage. Retinol is one of the most studied ingredients available, and it’s derived from vitamin A to improve skin cell turnover. It improves brown spots and wrinkles by thickening collagen, bringing back a more youthful appearance.

It’s also a good idea to use a 30-day hydroquinone cream regimen which is great for dark sun spots. The cream seeps into the skin cells, preventing them from releasing damaged pigment, allowing them to release natural pigment. Because it can cause a bit of burning, the FDA recommends taking a break from the regimen after 30 days. Most importantly, use sunblock with zinc every day underneath your makeup!