How Sunlight Can be Good and Bad for Us

Sunlight 

With the many changes occurring in our environment, sun exposure has been considered a health threat despite the fact that it also gives off good effects to us. There are various skin care products introduced in the market for skin care protection but before we start using them, it would be best to understand first how sunlight can be good and bad for us.

What is Sunlight?

Sunlight, as defined by Wikipedia is the total frequency spectrum of electromagnetic radiation that the sun gives off. When sunlight reaches earth, it is filtered in the atmosphere and is referred to as daylight or also termed as solar radiation but when it is blocked by clouds we call it sunshine.

How Sunlight affects Us

It is because of sunlight where our bodies can produce vitamin D and if we are not exposed to the sun for a period of time, there is that possibility of being deficient of vitamin D not unless you can get the right amounts from your diet.

But too much sunlight can also harm our skin. A common problem we get from being exposed to sunlight for a long time is sunburn; sunburn causes mild to severe inflammation on the skin. But this can be avoided by applying sunscreen cream or lotion from time to time on the skin in order to build up melanocytes during sun exposure. Another known negative effect of sun exposure is the acceleration of skin aging. Because of the depletion of the ozone, there is an increased rate of 25% of skin cancer. When we do not get enough sun exposure, there is that possibility of the development of seasonal affective disorder also known as winter blues. This is common among areas that are cold but it can be treated with light therapy and prescribed drugs.

Although sunlight is very important in synthesizing vitamin D, health experts still recommend that our sun exposure be limited including the use of tanning beds to where we are exposed to UV radiation (specifically broad spectrum UV radiation) which is considered to be a carcinogen.

Benefits of Sunlight to our Health:

Sun light 

Lately, sun exposure has been thought of as something negative because of the depletion of our ozone layer but it still brings many benefits to us. Apart from being the chief source of light and heat, sunlight also contributes something to our health. The key here is to make sure that sun exposure is kept in moderation in order to avoid sun damage and cancer.

• Vitamin D Synthesis

We all know that vitamin D is really important because it is one of the reasons that keep our immune system function well and our immune systems are strong, we avoid diseases. Vitamin D also helps in making sure that our bones are strong and do not break easily. According to scientists, the highest concentrated form of vitamin is from sunlight. Getting 10 minutes of sun exposure in a day helps our body produce enough amounts of vitamin D.

• Improved Mood

According to studies, one of the benefits of being exposed to sunlight is improved mood. Most people associate sunlight with happiness because it is during sunny days when we are able to go outdoors and do things such as gardening and other outdoor sports. It is also said that when we get to go outdoors and experience sunlight we can ward of depression.

• Healthy Appearance

In the west, one of the best looks that most people look after is getting a good tan which can be best achieved by being exposed to sun. Notice how people gather around beaches and pools in order to get that sun-kissed look. It is because of sunlight where the melanin of the skin changes causing darker pigments. Getting a good tan means looking more glowing and healthy. But we must be extra careful because too much sun exposure can cause skin damage.

Cons of Sun Exposure:

After knowing the good things that sun light has to give, the next thing that we need to find out are its bad effects. Too much of everything is bad as the saying goes and this is true with sun light. Apart from getting sunburn, we may also experience other health problems such as cataracts, wrinkling, hives, blister and at worst even skin cancer.

Sunlight vitamin 

• Ultraviolet Rays (UVR)

The reason why the sun can cause negative effects on our health is because of ultraviolet rays or UVR. UV rays is the reason why it is attributed to sun exposure skin problems such as accelerated skin aging, skin cancer and wrinkling. The UVB rays or ultraviolet B rays which are mostly absorbed by the ozone layer is the responsible for causing cataracts, sunburns and even damaged immune system. A very health threating diseases is skin cancer melanoma is also attributed by being exposed to UVB rays before reaching the age of 20 years old.

• Skin Cancer

If we get exposed to the sun too much, there is that big risk that we develop skin cancer. But there’s also what we call risk factors where a person becomes more at risk at developing it. According to studies, people who have fair skin, blond hair and light colored-eyes have a greater chance of developing it compared to people with darker skin, hair and eyes. People who a lot of birthmarks, moles and freckles and gets sunburn easily are also more at risk. People who spend too much time outdoors ar e also at risk of having severe cases of sunburn.

Protecting yourself from the Sunlight:

It is recommended by health experts to wear clothing that may protect you from the sunlight such as hats and sunglasses and applying sunscreen lotions or creams that have an SPF of 30 or more. Make sure to reapply sunscreen creams or lotions after every two hours or if your skin has been exposed to water or sweat to make sure that your skin is fully protected from the sun while you are out on the sun. If you are planning to head out to get a tan, try to avoid going out between 11 AM to 3 PM in the afternoon. For precautionary measures, do monthly check ups on your skin if you notice anything unusual or abnormal. Be cautious of signs of skin cancer and make sure to visit your doctor right away if you notice anything suspicious on your skin.

How Much Sunlight do We Need?

There is no exact level or amount as to how much sunlight we need to tell if we are not or at risk of skin cancer. The only hope we have is to take protective measures against sun exposure such as using sunscreen when we are going outdoors. It would also be best to wear sunglasses that protect against UV rays in order to protect your eyes from the sun.

Perhaps almost all of us have experienced sun burn and have heard of the good effects of the sun. What is important is we know how to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of the sun. If you happen to get sunburn and want a cheap and fast acting relief, then use aloe vera by placing its leaves on top o f your skin.

Sun

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