58 In-spire
LS
I wouldn't blame anyone for being a bit confused
about the rules when it comes to sun exposure.
Although we all know the basic rules, such as: getting
burnt is a no-no, laying out in the sun for hours
on end is most definitely a risk to your health, and
that sunbeds increase the risks of skin cancer by a
whopping 75%. But, the sometimes contradicting
information about vitamin D absorption and natural
sunlight can be baffling.
In the early 70's, having a 'healthy tan' became a sign
of wealth and health, with the damages unknown
to the common man. Then shortly after a sudden
media frenzy in the 80's, we were informed that the
big star in our sky would almost cause you sudden
death if you so much as exposed your skin to it for
more than one second without a high factor total sun
block. People were told to cover up at all times and to
even wear sunblock during the winter months to stop
damaging rays.
However, over the past couple of years, new research
has emerged stating that the lack of vitamin D from
the sun can cause serious health problems such as:
CFS, skin fungal infections, and lowered immunity
causing a person's ability to kill germs and even cancer
cells to lower. Interestingly, they also found that
African Americans take a lot longer to absorb vitamin
D from the sun, so those living in colder northern
climates were more deficient in Vitamin D, and had
more health problems related to Vitamin D deficiency
than Caucasians living in the same area. New research
in the US advises that 5-20 minutes a day, depending
on skin type, of natural sun light (avoiding midday
sun), with no sunblock, will in fact benefit your health
as you will be able to absorb the Vitamin D you need
without a sunbloc. It is then advised that after this
amount of time you will need to use an SPF that is
suitable for your skin type; if you will be out in the sun
for any longer. So who is right?
Although controversial, I can completely see the logic
in the recent findings. While no one is suggesting you
ever get burnt and spend all day in the sun roasting, I
think with a little common sense, knowing your skin
type (for example if you are extremely fair; a couple
of minutes of exposure would suffice, longer time will
be needed for much darker skin tones) and finding
the right SPF to suit you for longer periods of sun
exposure, I would say that getting some much needed
Vitamin D in safe, short bursts is a feasible idea.
Modern SPFs are far more sophisticated than earlier
ones, and you can now buy ones that have a number
of added extras that will help your skin to look and
feel healthier, from Aloe Vera and carotene extracts, to
helping your natural melanin come to the surface. If
you live in a country where sun is rare (hello UK!) you
can buy safe light therapy lamps mostly used for those
with the condition S.A.D, and these apparently mimic
the sun's natural daylight and can help you to absorb
Vitamin D without any UVA damaging rays.
So, what do you think?
T
he
D
angers
of
s
un
T
anning
W
here
D
o
Y
ou
D
raW
T
he
L
ine
?
Words by Christina Chrysanthou @christinamua_
In-spire LS
Health Special