Summer is here and it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors! But wait! How can we if the sun is out? For the past few decades, we’ve been scared into thinking the sun is harmful. But just recently, there have been reports that some exposure is good. As much as I believe the sun can cause serious damage to the skin, I do believe that the sun is helpful in small amounts.
First of all, let me start by saying that life would not exist without the sun. Life is dependent on light to survive. I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel healthy when I’m inside the whole day. I also feel healthier in the warmer months when we’re outside and getting more daylight. That said, the sun cannot be all that bad.
The Dangers
You don’t need me to explain the downsides of the sun. I know putting on sunscreen is not very manly, but overexposure can really age the skin. In the summer time, if I know I’ll be outside for a while, I always make sure to apply sun block to my face. This includes all around the neck and the ears. I also make sure to put sunscreen on before heading outside so it has time to absorb into the skin. They key is to never burn. If you do, besides looking older, you put yourself at the risk of skin damage and cancer.
The Benefits
Now, enough with the negatives. Studies have shown many benefits including how sunlight increases the level of serotonin in the body, which helps boost your mood. Low levels have shown to increase levels of depression. On the other side, at night the body releases melatonin, which helps us sleep. So, if you’re getting enough daylight during the day, this will help the body fall asleep when it’s dark.
The sun also provides vitamin D to strengthen our bones. Low levels have shown to cause rickets in children. While direct sun exposure can increase your chances of skin cancer, research tells us that areas of the country with less sunlight are prone to a higher rate to other cancers like ovarian, pancreatic and prostate.
Doctors also prescribe sunlight for treatment of skin conditions like eczema, jaundice and acne. So, in some ways, the sun can help the skin!
Another reason why I think small amounts of sun helps is that it creates a base. Like I said before, the body is an amazing system of adjusting to its environment. The body realizes it needs to protect itself from the sun and stimulates melanin in the skin. This provides a natural sun block for the body. You still need to apply sunscreen, but at least you’re preparing your body a little better when your skin has a base. Research has also shown that getting sun gradually versus abruptly is healthier.
As much as I don’t want to get too tan, I do not want to be one of those people who is hiding under an umbrella their whole life. It’s completely fine if you decide to avoid direct sunlight. On the other hand, I want to be out and enjoying nature. I’m just going to do it with plenty of sunblock.
Sunscreen in the Winter?
I know a lot of skin products include sunscreen. While I think this is great for the warmer months, I’m a big believer that this is a detriment during the other months. By using sun block during the winter, you’re depriving your body of the benefits of the sun during this time. This is when you need the nutrients the most. You’re not going to get sunburn in the winter, so why block it out? In addition, why put the chemicals that come with sun block in your body if you don’t need it? Experts don’t advise using sun block for babies, so it can’t all be that good.
In closing, I’m not saying get out and start sun bathing. I’m just saying get out and enjoy the outdoors! Don’t be afraid of the sun. Just don’t get burned!