Northern Ireland has been described as one of the UK’s most ‘tanned’ regions. And in a place where it is not uncommon to experience four seasons in a day, the sun-kissed look often comes from a bottle or a tanning bed.
In a new True North film, we meet three self-confessed tanning addicts to explore what makes them want to mask their pale complexion and the connection between bronzed skin and body confidence.
Sunbeds - and an all year golden glow - are easily accessible through tanning salons and in Tanorama, on BBC One NI on Monday 17 May at 10.45pm, medical experts reveal the health risks and lasting damage exposure to sun radiation - and other ‘tanning’ methods - can cause.
New mum Lauren is preparing for a photoshoot with her partner Patrick who is a personal trainer. With Patrick’s help, Lauren is trying to shed the excess baby weight.
Lauren admits to being obsessed with tanning, both she and Patrick have experienced body image issues in the past and use sunbeds and spray tans to enhance their physical appearance, and feel looking good is important for their mental health.
Tracy has used sunbeds for over 20 years and as a busy working mum with six children, describes a short sunbed session as a way to relax and escape from her hectic home life. Tracy visits a skin clinic to find out if her addiction to sunbeds has caused her any lasting skin damage.
From big nights out to weddings or to help us feel more attractive, a sun-kissed glow can give a confidence boost, but is going to extremes to achieve this look worth it and can damage caused from excessive sunbed use be reversed?
True North: Tanorama is on BBC One Northern Ireland, Monday 17 May at 10.45pm and is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.