Sunlight: Here's why it is good and also bad
Sunlight contains various types of ultraviolet (UV) rays, namely UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. While UV-A rays are the most common and UV-B rays are more intense, UV-C rays are blocked by the earth's ozone layer. The melanin in our skin creates vitamin D and protects us from harmful UV rays. Light-skinned people have less melanin and therefore get sunburnt easily.
Here is what our expert says
- The benefits of regular, non-burning sun exposure outweigh the risks significantly.
- Risks of sun exposure consist of heatstroke, melanoma, and non-melanoma skin cancers.
- Sun exposure is necessary for the production of vitamin D and lack of it has been associated with depression and other mental illnesses; metabolic syndrome; heart, liver, and bone disease; non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; colorectal, prostate, bladder, and breast cancer; and multiple sclerosis.
Why you need some sunlight?
A small amount of UV-B rays help in synthesizing vitamin D in our body, which absorbs calcium and thus helps in building and maintaining strong bones. Little exposure to sunlight can cause vitamin D deficiency and you might need to take supplements. Nearly half the world's population has vitamin D deficiency. People with eczema, psoriasis, jaundice, or rickets should get some sun exposure.
Ill-effects of over-exposure to sun on our skin
Over-exposure to sun rays is not good for our skin. UV rays are known to damage our skin and cause various skin problems. Your body tries to defend itself from the UV rays and in the process causes tanning, a problem that isn't easy to be tackled. Besides, too much sunlight can damage your skin and lead to loss of elasticity, promoting aging.
How do UV rays affect our health?
When UV rays penetrate our inner skin layers, it can cause sunburn that can potentially damage skin cells and even lead to the development of cancer. Your immune system is also compromised as white blood cells get busy creating new cells, thus leaving the rest of your body vulnerable. UV rays can damage your eyes, blur your vision, and even lead to cataracts.
How to know if you are experiencing sunburn?
Your skin turns red around the exposed area due to an increased blood flow. Sometimes it can happen immediately or over time. Sunburns can make your skin very hot and you end up feeling chills or getting goosebumps. Your skin becomes itchy and you develop blisters. Your sunburnt skin may start to peel off. Sunburns can also result in dehydration.
How to protect yourself from harmful sun rays?
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before stepping out. Higher SPFs protect you against UV rays for a longer time. Broad-spectrum sunscreens are known to block out UV-A and UV-B both. The sun rays are the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, so take extra precautions if you need to step out during these hours. Use an umbrella, sunglasses, or wear covered clothing and hats.
