Humans have existed on earth for many thousands of years. Until recently, we spent our days in the sun. Now, physicians and scientists say that sun exposure is “bad” for us. Is that true? When did the sun become our enemy? How much is enough and what is the best way to maintain balance when it comes to sun exposure?
Sunlight: crucial for life, health and happiness!
- Life – It is crucial for life because all life on earth as we know it depends (to a greater or lesser extent) on photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the way plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen through chlorophyll and sunlight.
- Health – It is crucial for health because sunlight creates Vitamin D as it interacts with our skin.
- Happiness – It is crucial for happiness because sunlight activates hormones in the brain that create a sense of euphoria.
Humans are diurnal: we are awake in the daytime and asleep at night. We are designed to live in sunlight. Our skin interacts with sunlight to create Vitamin D, an essential part of our metabolism.
Vitamin D interacts with our bones to make them hard; without Vitamin D we get soft, deformed bones (rickets). Later in life we are at risk for osteoporosis if we have low levels of Vitamin D. Vitamin D interacts with our hormones to balance our blood sugar. It activates our immune system to help protect against Cancer. Vitamin D is good for us. So it stands to reason that sunlight would be good for us too, right?
The Dark Side of light
Sunlight activates melanocytes. These are pigment-containing cells in our skin that help protect us from too much sun – and too much Vitamin D – by turning dark. Most people will “tan” or darken in the sun. If the sun exposure is prolonged or too intense for this melanocyte system we will “burn.”
Overexposure to the sun creates oxidative stress similar to radiation burns from a nuclear bomb. And why not? The sun itself is a huge nuclear furnace. This radiation burn will start a chain reaction in the melanocyte and other cells. This may lead to cancer in a year or two or in a decade or two. Oxidative stress from sunburn is insidious and relentless.
Where’s the balance?
The skyrocketing incidence of diabetes, osteoporosis and certain cancers definitely says that we are not getting enough Vitamin D. The increase in insomnia and seasonal depression tells us that we are not getting enough early morning sun.
We need more sunlight.
Now, how do we make it safe?
Safe sun exposure
First, recognize the need for sun and the need for caution. Plan your sun exposure so that you maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks. For instance, get your sunlight early in the day. Early morning sunlight does not have the high ultraviolet rays that midday sun does. So, take a 20-minute walk in the early part of the day with your skin exposed to sunlight. This will give you the benefits without the risks of overexposure.
Alternately, take a 20-minute walk in the evening with your skin exposed to sunlight. There are fewer UV rays in the evening than at midday, though more than in the morning. This will have a less dramatic effect than morning sun but will still provide you with many of the same benefits.
Never expose your skin to midday sun for long periods of time. Wear clothing that covers most of your skin and wear a hat that provides shade for your face and ears.
Nutrients for healthy skin
Certain nutrients work well to prevent sun damage. Essential fatty acids interact with Vitamin D in your skin and create protection against harmful radiation. Vitamin C quenches smoldering fires of oxidative stress once they have begun. Antioxidants, such as green tea and those found in berries, prevent DNA damage from radiation. All these are excellent strategies for dealing with the stress of too much sun.
So, is the sun our enemy? It can be if we are not careful! For most of us, however, sunlight may be the difference between vitality and poor health; even between life and death! Get your sunlight, but be careful: too much of a good thing can always turn out bad.
