The golden mean –
the benefits of moderate sun exposure
For years now scientists and the media have been sounding the alarm about the risks of excessive sun exposure, which range from premature skin ageing to dangerous skin cancers in extreme cases.
Yet there would be no life on Earth without the sun, and sunlight also offers numerous benefits in terms of physical and mental health. As is the case with many other things in life, including wine, “the dose makes the poison”!
So, while it is true that overexposure to the sun is unhealthy and may damage the skin, there is no need for us to avoid it altogether. In fact, after endless campaigning against UVA and UVB exposure, doctors are now facing a rise in diseases linked to vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D – an important ally
Adequate amounts of vitamin D are essential to keep our bones strong and healthy. However, only 10% of the daily recommended dosage is provided by food, while the rest is produced autonomously by the body when skin is exposed to UVB radiation. Vitamin D plays a central role in the absorption of calcium, therefore regular exposure to the sun lowers the risk of osteoporosis in women. Because the skin’s ability to synthesise vitamin D decreases with age, it would be good practice for seniors to make time daily for a 30-minute walk in the daytime.
The benefits of vitamin D are not limited to bone health. Recent studies have shown that this nutrient also protects us from cancer and autoimmune diseases. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in later life.
As a rule of thumb, exposing your face, arms and legs to the sun 3 to 5 times a week for 10-15 minutes is enough to ensure sufficient levels of vitamin D are produced. Naturally, due precautions
must be taken so that we may reap all the benefits of sunlight without jeopardising the health of our skin.
A natural mood lifter
The sun is an excellent antidepressant. Sunlight stimulates the production of endorphins in the brain, including serotonin – a hormone that regulates appetite, fights anxiety and promotes general well-being.
A real energy booster
Sunlight makes us more active! The pineal gland reduces melatonin production when the eye is exposed to light waves. This is why we feel more energetic and full of life in the summertime and even night owls find it easier to get up in the morning when days are longer.
A blood pressure regulator
Sunlight helps fight hypertension thanks to the effects of nitric oxide (NO), a small molecule involved in blood pressure regulation that is abundant in the skin. When skin is exposed to the sun, this molecule is released into the blood stream where it dilates the vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.
A skin perfecter
Sun can actually do your skin good. Not only does it visibly improve the appearance of oily skin, it also alleviates skin conditions like acne, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
A cure-all that requires caution
It nevertheless remains undisputed that overexposure to the sun – and sunburn in particular – can be seriously detrimental to skin health. In fact, UV rays cause free radicals to be released that inhibit skin tissue regeneration. Overexposure to UV radiation can lead to erythema (red patches), premature skin ageing, sun spots and dangerous skin tumours.
Therefore, we recommend moderate sunbathing, always using a sunscreen with an adequate SPF depending on your phototype!
See our tips for a healthy suntan and correct use of sunscreen products.
ADLER Sun sunscreens – the safe way to tan