Sunlight is a double-edged sword for the body. It can help treat many skin conditions and boost cells that improve mood. It also has other important benefits for the skin, bones, and muscles.
However, sunlight can also be a main cause of serious problems like cell damage and skin cancer.
In this article, we'll look at why sunlight exposure is important and how to protect yourself from harmful rays.
Benefits of Sunlight Exposure
1. Sunlight boosts your mood
Exposure to sunlight is thought to trigger the brain to release serotonin. This hormone is linked to improved mood and is known as the happiness hormone. It helps people feel calm and focused.
Not getting enough sunlight can lower serotonin levels. Low serotonin is linked to higher risk of seasonal major depression, a type of Depression Caused by seasonal changes.
So, people who don't get much sunlight can use a light box. It's a light therapy you can do at home that mimics natural sunlight and helps the brain produce serotonin.
At night, dim light triggers the brain to produce melatonin, the hormone that helps with sleep.
Sunlight can also help people with some conditions, such as:-
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Other types of severe depression.
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Premenstrual disorder.
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Pregnant women with depression.
2. Sunlight helps build strong bones
UV rays in sunlight trigger the body to make vitamin D, vitamin D from sunlight plays a big role in bone health. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to rickets in kids, and bone diseases like osteoporosis and soft bones.
3. Sunlight helps protect against cancer
Even though too much sun can increase skin cancer risk, moderate sun exposure may offer protective benefits against cancer.
Research shows people living in places with less sunlight are more likely to get some cancers compared to those with more sunlight. These cancers include:-
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Colon cancer.
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Lymphoma.
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Ovarian cancer.
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Pancreatic cancer.
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Prostate cancer.
4. Sunlight helps heal skin conditions.
According to the WHO, sunlight exposure might help treat several skin conditions. Doctors have recommended getting some UV light from the sun to treat diseases like psoriasis, eczema, acne, and jaundice.
Although light therapy may not suit everyone, a doctor might suggest it if it fits those skin issues.
5. Sunlight helps treat some additional conditions
Some studies showed links between sunlight as a possible treatment for other conditions, These conditions include:-
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Rheumatoid arthritis.
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Systemic lupus erythematosus.
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Inflammatory bowel disease.
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The thyroid gland.
Moderation in sun exposure
While there are many good reasons to get sunlight, sunlight emits ultraviolet rays. UV rays can penetrate the skin and damage the DNA of cells, which can lead to skin cancer.
Researchers don’t have an exact measure for how long someone should be in the sun to get benefits. The safe max exposure varies by sun type and intensity.
Usually, people with fair skin get sunburned faster than those with darker skin. Also, a person is more likely to getsunburn when going out in direct sunlight, usually between 10 AM and 4 PM.
According to WHO, 5 to 15 minutes of sun exposure on arms, hands, and face 2 to 3 times a week is enough to enjoy the sun’s vitamin D benefits.
Sunlight needs to reach the skin because wearing sunscreen or clothes blocks the skin from making vitamin D.
Also, if you're out for more than 15 minutes, it's good to protect your skin by using sunscreen with at least SPF 15, wearing appropriate clothes, and hats.
In the end, sunlight can boost mood and help treat many skin conditions, plus other benefits. So, it’s good to get some sun now and then, following recommended guidelines.
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