Healthful Sun Exposure

I lived on an island in the tropics for years and never had a sun burn. I think sun blockers are over used. The best protection from the dangers of skin cancer is to allow the natural protective qualities of your skin to develop. Some extremely fair skinned humans are exempt from this strategy, they should slather themselves with spf 50 and walk around inside of a tent.

Everyone needs sun for the natural formation of vitamin D, warmth, mood enhancement and the promotion of general health and well being. Ideally, every human body should receive fifteen minutes of full sun per day. I do not support mad dogs, Englishmen or others who parade about unprotected under the noonday summer sun. I do advise that everyone take short bursts of full sun at regular intervals. I like jumping out of doors for fifteen minutes as naked as allowable. If I have more fun or work to do outside I apply a sun screen and make sure I moisturize my skin after showering when I go back inside.

Gradually you will activate the melanin in your skin; UVB rays cause the increased production of melanin called melanogenisis. This is a gradual process that will cause the pigment of the skin to darken (tan). Melanin is a photoprotectant; it absorbs harmful UV rays and causes them to disperse as harmless heat. Over 99.9% of the absorbed UV energy is dissipated as heat and keeps the generation of free radicals at a minimum. This prevents indirect DNA damage that causes malignant melanoma.* I stress that this is a gradual process that must take place at short intervals over a long period of time. The resultant tanning of the skin will last longer and offer more natural protection to the skin from UV light.

I suffer from Psoriasis on my elbows and skull. This gradual exposure to UVB energy is a palliative cure for Psoriasis, my symptomatic rash vanishes in the sun.

Even little kids and babies are safe for short exposure to full sun. Let them run around in the sun for a few minutes before you hose them down with the high dose sun screen.

Even daily exposure to the winter sun can help prevent SAD (seasonal affective disorder). I have a south facing bay window in my front room. I spend many winter hours sitting in front of it reading and basking in the comforting, healthful rays of the winter light, when I can get it.

1. Full exposure to as much skin area as possible for 15 minutes a day.
2. Wear protective clothing and sun screen after the initial exposure.
3. Continue this process over an extended period of time.
4. Moisturize your skin after any sun exposure.

Enjoy a healthy tan.

*Wikipedia-melanin