Sun Exposure: Its Pros and Cons

Ever saw baby sitters, parents and grandparents strolling leisurely with babies under the sun? I bet my parents did the same thing back when I was a kid. I saw them do it with my 4 siblings so I won’t be surprised if they did the same to me. This age-old practice stems from the fact that the sun is a good source of Vitamin D. No one is disputing this claim because indeed, the sun really promotes Vitamin D production.

But is it worth it?

Dermatologists recently came to agree that Vitamin D is not worth the sun exposure. They insist that the damage caused by the sun’s UV rays far outweigh the benefits from Vitamin D.

Vitamin D is Important

The recent conclusion of experts, however, does not mean Vitamin D is not important. It is. Vitamin D is critical for strong bones and healthy immune system. Lack of it may lead to bone softening in adults and rickets in children. Recently, Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes and some types of cancer as well.

If Not from the Sun, Where?

Experts clarify that the sun is not the only source of Vitamin D. This can be obtained from healthy diet as well as supplements. Foods that are naturally rich in vitamin D are dairy products and fish. Opt for foods and beverages that are fortified as well like fortified milk and fortified cereals.

Myth Busted

Adults and even our parents call it ‘sensible exposure’. This means that for them, a short period under the sun is good. Dermatologists, however, dispute this claim, saying there is no such thing. Sun exposure is harmful and should be avoided as much as possible.

Exposure to the sun’s UV rays is the most common cause of skin cancer so no amount of benefits can justify an unprotected stroll under the sun. Unconvinced? Every year, there are around one million new cases of skin cancer reported.

Avoid and Protect

Avoiding sun exposure is the best way to prevent skin cancer but I understand if you can’t go on house arrest forever. If you really need to go out, protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays by lathering up on your sunscreen. Re-apply every two hours. Make your sunscreen is broad spectrum and at least SPF 30.

You can also boost your sun protection by applying moisturizers that are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that fight off environmental damage. Argan oil is a great example. Recent studies show that the antioxidants from Argan oil protect your skin from the sun’s rays that are not covered by sunscreen. These rays promote the growth of free radicals and thanks to this oil’s antioxidant level, the body gets protected because these free radicals are neutralised before creating havoc in the body.