Let’s Talk Smart Sun Exposure
At the risk of ruffling some feathers, we want to talk about a topic that typically gets a bad reputation - sun exposure. This time of year we see health professionals doubling down on their sunscreen-at-all-times position, instilling fear and demonizing the sun’s rays. People are increasingly worried about spending time in the sun, and we believe that this is doing more harm than good. Getting sunlight (daily, if possible) is so important to our overall health. Smart sun exposure is the way to go. You can get the benefits of sunlight and still mitigate any risks of overexposure with the right information.
Less Fear, More Facts
When it comes to the sun, we have to discuss the facts - not just the fear. The sun’s UV rays are essential to many of our biological processes. As discussed in a previous article, exposure to sunlight is necessary for our bodies to synthesize Vitamin D, an important nutrient for bone health, immune function, and metabolism. This process is inhibited by clothing or sunscreen.
In addition to Vitamin D synthesis, sunlight plays an important role in our sleep and mood. Humans are what is known as diurnal - awake during the daylight and asleep at night. The body’s circadian rhythm is set by the release of hormones like serotonin and melatonin. It is the absence of light that triggers the body to produce melatonin (to fall asleep), and the production of melatonin stops as the body senses light in the mornings. Early morning exposure to sunlight helps to set the rhythm for the day, ensuring the body changes from seratonin (a daytime hormone) to melatonin in the evening. In fact, this early morning light has been shown to be effective against common issues like insomnia, PMS, and even SAD (seasonal affective disorder).
Sunlight And Mitochondrial Health
Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, the way your body creates the energy (ATP) it needs for its biological processes. It turns out that the mitochondria are light sensitive! They aid in the production of serotonin during the day and melatonin at night. Smart exposure to sunlight stimulates mitochondrial activity, improving cellular metabolism and reinforcing the appropriate circadian rhythm. Blue light, on the other hand, inhibits this activity (like that from screens).
Be Smart About Sun Exposure
As you can see, sunlight is critical to our health as human beings. So, how do we balance the positive effects of the sun while minimizing harm? Firstly, try to get some sun on your face early in the morning. Have your morning coffee outside or spend a few minutes meditating or journaling outdoors. To boost Vitamin D production, spend 10-15 minutes in midday sun without sunscreen. For prolonged sun exposure, like at the pool/beach or sitting at a park watching your kids, you can use a hat to shade your face. We have many safe sunscreens for adults and children available through our Online Store. Just look under "Favorites" to see the list. We hope you try a more balanced approach to sun exposure this summer. For more information about the benefits of sunlight or how to manage your risk, schedule an appointment with us.