Originally Posted by Arualav I just want to clarify that I am not trying to bash on people who prefer to tan. It's just not something that I personally understand, especially with more intense levels of radiation than ever before, and the numerous self-tanning products on the market now. I dont think anone could get an impression youre bashing, cause it's clear you were only asking why. I heard many people saying they hate self tanners, their smell and the streaks. maybe that is why they continue to go for a real tan, even though they know it is unhealthy. also, tanning can be addictive. for example many people go once, and they like how tan covers their dark circles and temporary makes the pimples dissapear (the trick is that skin gets worse LATER) - so they go for more and they get so used to tanned look, they cannot stand their look witout the tan.
finally, the more you go, the more you need to go. My friend used tanning beds for ages, and she developped many sun spots on her chest area. she is insecure about them, they are quite promominent.. so she goes to tan to cover them up. she doesn't want to acknowledge she only makes it worse, what counts for her is that she looks good for now.
of course these are extreme cases, but I think it explains why some people tan so much, even though they are aware of the risks.