Is Sunshine Healthy for You?

Everyone loves summer, with the chance for some sunbathing, barbecues and picnics, along with the proposed benefits of improving our Vitamin D production, many people find spending a little time in the sun improves their mood and gives a feel-good factor – after all, why not enjoy the few sunny days that shine upon the UK each year?

In stark contrast to Britain’s sun worshippers, however, Cancer Research UK predicts that the rates of malignant melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer, are on course to treble in the next 30 years unless the trend to recklessly sunbathe is reversed.

Their SunSmart campaign predicts that even if people were to follow advice about sun exposure, rates would continue to rise as a result of overexposure that is already taking place. Amidst this confusing arena of statistics and claims about sun exposure and Sunscreen Protection Factor’s, it is important to understand the risks and benefits of a little Sunshine.

The Benefits

Vitamin D, an essential body nutrient, helps us form strong bones and in order to make it naturally, some exposure to the Sun is a must! In reasonable doses, Sunlight enables natural immunity, promotes skin growth and healing, stimulates hormone production and contributes to an overall sense of well-being.
Be aware however that you don’t need to sunbathe to get these benefits, as it takes just 15 minutes in the sun two to three times a week for a fair skinned adult to produce enough vitamin D. It is certain that you don’t need to tan to feel the benefits of sunlight. In fact extra time in the sun won’t help you produce extra vitamin D. When your body has healthy levels of the vitamin any excess is just broken down.


The Risks

The Sunlight contains two types of UV rays that can damage our skin called UVA and UVB. UVA penetrates deeply into the skin and causes aging, while UVB more dangerously effects cells just below the surface of the skin and in as little as 15 minutes can make the skin red, inflamed and painful; a condition known as Sunburn.

It is important to avoid Sunburn at all costs. Experts believe that having sunburn during childhood can significantly increase your risk of malignant melanoma. Some also say that your chances of developing this deadly type of skin cancer, which looks similar to skin moles, are doubled by just one blistering sunburn before the age of 20.

A Solution?

The problem is that we forget how strong the sun can be. The sun does not need to feel hot; you can burn even on cool days, nor burning; by this stage it is already too late, for it to damage our skin. Many cases of sunburn happen when people are not deliberately 'sunbathing'. You may be out of doors watching sport, doing the gardening or just sitting in the park.

One of the best ways to avoid sunburn is to simply take rest in the shade of trees, umbrellas, canopies and stay indoors. Don’t hide from the Sun! However a little time out is important, especially in the Summer months at midday, when the Sun’s rays are the strongest.

Sunscreen and a Hat...

Sunscreen is simple. There will always be times when we are out in the sun without adequate shade or cover-up clothing. This is when sunscreen is useful for protecting our exposed skin from the sun's rays by filtering out the burning UVB.

We should never use sunscreen in order to spend longer in the sun. It should be used to increase our protection.

Wear a high Sun Protection Factor of 15 or higher. This gives the best balance between protection and price. The higher the factor the more protection you get from burning, but higher factor sunscreens tend to be more expensive. With SPF 15, you will get over 90 per cent protection from UVB rays whilst above SPF 30 there is no significant increase in protection.
Make sure, it is broad spectrum, water resistant and within it’s use-by-date.

Most research has found that people apply only half the thickness required and that key exposed sites (neck, temples, and ears) are often missed completely so apply generously 15-30 min before you go out and every 2 hours after that, according to the instructions.

And remember that no sunscreen - no matter how high the factor - can offer 100 per cent protection. So stay out of the midday sun and wear clothing wherever possible. Loose clothing, good quality sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are all important. Remember that even your eyelids and surrounding are vulnerable to skin cancer, so a wide-brimmed hat will reduce UV radiation reaching your face and eyes by over 50 percent.

Finally, last but not least remember that children are more vulnerable than you. Extra precaution should be taken with their delicate skin as it is easily burnt and this can lead to their risk of Melanoma doubling in later life. Keep babies out of the Sun and by following the simple measures above you should be able to enjoy this summer while keeping your skin healthy and protected from the sun!





Michael Shaw
ChristianToday Medical Correspondent