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With the end of summer almost upon us, it can be tempting to start scheduling fall sessions at the tanning salon to feel that warm, sun-like sensation on your skin. Yes, this activity has long been known to cause skin cancer and premature aging, but according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 30 million people every year are still willing to hit the tanning bed. And if you ask them why, they'll say that a little color makes them feel sexier and look thinner. But what they may not realize is how hard it can be to stop.

Researchers at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center recently discovered that frequent indoor tanning causes changes to the brain similar to those seen in people addicted to drugs and alcohol. UV light, says senior author of the study and professor of psychiatry at the university, Dr. Bryan Adinoff, has rewarding effects in the brain—causing people to continue flocking to tanning beds despite knowing the lethal side effects [as reported by The New York Times].

Bottom line: Skip the tanning salon and opt for streak-proof self-tanner to get your glow on instead. And when the colder temperatures set in, pretend you're still basking in the hot summer rays  by curling up with one of O's tantalizing beach reads.

What do you think of this study? Ever visit the tanning bed or know someone who has?

Keep reading:

Confessions of a tanaholic
Beauty extras that'll give you more oomph
Get a foolproof summer glow