The sun has a mixed reputation these days. We celebrate when it comes out, but we moan it’s too hot when it overstays its welcome. Sunbathing is an activity most of us can enjoy for hours, but experts warn us to be careful or we’ll risk getting skin cancer.
It’s true we could all exercise some caution because Sunburn isn’t fun for anyone. But it doesn’t mean we should spend the entire summer under the protection of a parasol. Step into the light and experience the health benefits of lying on the grass and becoming a sun worshiper.
Clears skin disorders
The sun can do more for your skin than just give it a healthy tan. It can promote the healing of some conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema or jaundice. One study involving a four-week outdoor sunbathing therapy was successful in clearing symptoms of psoriasis in 84 percent of patients. As for acne, some studies suggest that spending ten or twenty minutes in the sun can improve the symptoms of acne, but as with all prolonged sun exposure, you should take steps to avoid sunburn. That won’t benefit your skin in any way. Sites like www.beautyambition.com can recommend other remedies for problem skin.
Cures Depression
Most of our day is spent cooped up in an office or place of work under the influence of artificial light. We’ve all felt a little gloomy when we haven’t seen the sun for a few months, but most of us don’t know that the deprivation of sunlight causes a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is a form of depression. UV lights are used to alleviate the condition, but the best way to fight it is to spend any time from five to fifteen minutes under the biggest source of natural UV light. Those with sensitive skin should try and build up tolerance slowly by only spending a few moments or so outside at a time.
Fights Cancer
We all know the sun is an excellent source of Vitamin D, but we haven’t heard much about how the sun’s rays can help fight or even prevent cancer, including melanoma. Several studies on the topic have shown that Vitamin D and sun exposure reduce the risk of skin and other cancers by as much as 60 percent. In fact, the theory is that a lack of Vitamin D could be a cause of cancer. An American physician, Dr Zane Kime, actually used sunlight and nutrition to send his breast cancer patients into remission, even in terminal cases.
Vitamin D has a host of other benefits, including strong teeth and bones, a healthy immune system, it helps to shake off excess fat, lowers blood pressure, and it protects against dementia, Alzheimer’s and brain aging.
Always be sure to put on a light layer on sun cream if you’re going to indulge in some sunbathing, but there is no reason to fear the sun altogether. Have fun this summer!
