3 myths about the sun and how we should behave in it

Should we be scared of the sun? Or should we be loving it? As the last few weeks of the summer shine on, here are some tips to help you be more mindful in the sun.

We need the sun. The natural light from the sun is what fuels life on earth, and we are no exception to this rule.Though our tech-infused lifestyles have made us disconnect from this basic reality. 

Over the past 30-40 years there has been – quite understandably – a drive to lessen exposure to the sun to minimise the proliferation of chronic disease, considered to be triggered or caused by exposure to the sun, and to avoid sunburn. As a result the advice given has been, sensibly, to cover up, stay out of the sun or put on sunscreen.

However, this measure has been so effective that it is backfiring. Here are three myths about the sun that need dispelling so you can get the balance right:

1. We don’t need natural sunlight

Sunlight is essential to our general wellbeing (think photosynthesis). Like plants, we need light for the basic synthesis of chemical processes within the body, for example the chemical reaction between the sun’s rays and the skin which creates vitamin D. 

With the seasons as they are, we, in the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere lose a number of natural sunlight hours during the winter. Various things change at this time; the weather gets colder and we spend less time outside in daylight hours, as many of us are office-bound travelling to and from work in the dark. As a result it is hard for us to get sufficient sunlight to trigger the essential physiological processes. This can explain the greater prevalence of a variety of health issues from depression to osteoporosis in the autumn and winter months in the UK. 

2. It is imperative to stay out of the midday sun

There are hundreds of diseases which are related to low vitamin D levels. It is the UVB rays, occurring only in the midday sun, which activate the vitamin D formation in the skin via the melatonin in our skin. Therefore, skin exposure to the midday sun is beneficial if not essential. On the other hand UVB rays are strong and can be damaging to the skin in  the event of over-exposure. Equally, UVA waves penetrate the skin and can do damage after long exposure, these are the most abundant rays and are not absorbed at all by the ozone layer, but they do contribute to a suntan. Ultimately it is important to limit your general exposure to the sun, especially if your skin is not used to it, so keep your exposure down to short bursts out in the sun. Even 10 minutes in the midday sun daily will reap benefits.

3. Sunscreens are the only effective way to protect ourselves from the sun

Most sunscreens are innovatively constructed so they absorb the UV rays. However the chemicals used to create this ‘protective’ mechanism are absorbed by the skin and are carcinogenic. Some statistics have shown that since the prevalence of lotions like this, the incidence of certain diseases they are supposed to prevent have increased. And of course sunscreens also block the essential process of vitamin D formation. Fortunately, safer sun tan lotions are available on the market now. Look for a quality mineral sunscreen (not non-mineral) like Kiss My Face Sunscreen or make your own, there are plenty of recipes on the internet (see Dr Axe or Wellnessmama). 

Fundamentally, the rule is to get your sun in regular but limited doses. Be aware of what is in your sunscreen and take alternative sun protection precautions if possible, such as wearing a cap and t-shirt, wearing mineral sunscreen and remaining in the shade.