We are all taught that exposure to the sun will lead to skin cancer, hyperpigmentation, and premature wrinkles. Because of this, many people go outside covered in toxic sunscreen, hoping to protect their skin from the horrors of the sun’s harmful UVB radiation. But there is much more to sunshine and sunscreen that you should be aware of. In this blog post, learn about the protective qualities of sun exposure.
Sunlight is Your Body’s Natural Source of Vitamin D
Sunlight is a necessary component the body needs to make vitamin D, which helps strengthen bones and muscles, boosts your immune system, and protects you from just about every type of cancer. While you can get some Vitamin D through food, current research is showing that deficiencies of vitamin D are mainly due to lack of sun exposure.
Sunlight Impacts Your Mood
Sunlight seems to have a direct impact on serotonin levels, a hormone that helps you feel happy. In fact, many people who live in wintery areas are well aware of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a form of depression that comes about with overcast, wintery skies (symptoms often begin in late fall and last until spring).
Other Ways Sunshine Helps Your Body
Getting a healthy dose of sunshine is also known to:
- Improve your sleep
- Make you feel happier
- Help with weight maintenance
- Strengthens your immune system
- Ward off depression
The cumulative data shows that lack of sun creates a health burden and is linked to numerous diseases worldwide. One example is that skin cancer is associated with too much sun exposure, but too little sun exposure increases the risk of other types of cancers including ovarian, colon, and breast cancer.
Potential Dangers of Sunscreen
Is the sun really to blame for skin cancer, or is it caused by toxic sunscreens and the overuse of vegetable oils in our diet? It is only recently that scientists are finding at least five toxic ingredients that absorb into the skin and remain in the body indefinitely.
Keeping harmful chemicals out of your bloodstream is the first and most important step in prolonging your life, and there are alternatives. In fact, two of the chemicals, oxybenzone and octinoxate, are responsible for killing off coral, possibly from so many sunscreen-drenched bodies swimming in the water.
Learn How To Better Manage Your Health as You Age
So what can you do to safely protect yourself from too much exposure? Of course, the obvious thing is to cover up or stay in the shade once you’ve reached your optimal exposure time. There is also the option of using non-toxic sunscreens which are available as a healthier alternative to the standard products sold commercially. Non-toxic sunscreens are made with the minerals such as zinc or titanium dioxide or a combination of both.
Be wary of those that are simply labeled as “mineral-based,” because these often include one or both of these minerals along with the standard, chemical sunscreens. Also, check out the Age Defying Video Program to learn what you can do to help your body age healthily.
