Sunshine's Health Benefits
Vitamin D, UVA, UVB and Red Light Improve the Look and Feel of Skin
Nov 2, 2009
Underexposure to sunshine is detrimental to health. According the the nonprofit Vitamin D Council, vitamin D levels should be 50ng/ml year round for both children and adults to prevent deficiencies that are associated with osteoporosis, heart disease, depression, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, some cancers and possibly autism.
Does Sunshine Cause Skin Cancer?
Fear of malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, keeps people out of the sun. Although many people have been completely avoiding the sun for years, the incidence of melanoma is continuing to rise. Recently, vitamin D deficiency has become a problem that has an impact on the health of millions. Sunburns are not safe, and should be avoided. Moderate sun exposure is smart and has health benefits. Start with a few minutes a day and build up gradually, exposing as much skin as possible for at least 15 minutes a day in the summer and half an hour in the fall and winter, depending on the area.
Don't Wash Vitamin D Down the Drain
Vitamin D is needed for optimum functioning of the immune and cardiovascular systems, increases white blood cell production and supports the prostate as well as healthy skin and bones. UVB rays from sunshine convert cholesterol in skin to vitamin D. The skin cannot produce natural vitamin D without UVB rays. It does so very efficiently; in 20 to 30 minutes of sun exposure, an average of 10,000 IU is produced. Not all of that will be absorbed by the body; in fact, washing with soap and water removes much of the vitamin from the skin. It takes two to three days for vitamin D to be fully absorbed. It seems that soap removes more than plain water. Dr. Mercola of Mercola.com recommends that when showering after sun exposure, to prevent washing valuable vitamin D down the drain, use soap only where it is needed--underarms and genitals.
The worry about too much vitamin D pertains to unmonitored use of high doses of synthetic vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D3 supplements, not D2, are generally considered safe, but blood levels should be monitored if taking high doses for longer than two weeks. Overdose of vitamin D leads to excessive levels of calcium in the blood, or hypercalcemia. Symptoms of hypercalcemia are nausea, vomiting, constipation, weakness, confusion and irregular heartbeat. Excess calcium can damage the heart and kidneys. In some diseases, such as hyperparathyroidism, vitamin D and calcium supplements are contraindicated. Check with a physician about any concerns.
There is No Possibility of Overdose on Vitamin D from Sunshine
Full body sun exposure quickly produces vitamin D; the process is maximized before the skin turns pink. UVA rays in sunlight are responsible for tanning and protecting skin against sunburn. UVA rays also degrade excess vitamin D so that toxicity cannot possibly occur from this source of vitamin D.
Red Rays Also Provide Solar Nourishment for Skin
Red visible light in the 633 nanometer range stimulates skin cells, leading to production of collagen, elastin and enzymes by the skin. Collagen and elastin breakdown with age, poor diet and smoking, producing wrinkles. Red light also has effects on surface blood vessels that result in improved oxygen and moisture delivery, improving the clarity and tone of the complexion.
Tanning Lights are Another Option
Obtaining vitamin D by tanning lights, or lights with UVB rays only that do not tan, are a more natural source of vitamin D than pills, with some considerations. Exposure to lights should be carefully timed, beds should be sanitary, harmful electromagnetic fields (EMF) may be emitted by the ends of some lights, and electronic ballast is safer and quieter than magnetic ballast which produces more EMF.
The Vitamin D Council certifies safe tanning lights; look for their seal of approval. Since vitamin D levels drop an average of 50% in the winter due to the distance of the sun, lights can preserve the health properties of the sunshine vitamin, which in a 2008 study published in Virology Journal was found to help ward off flu viruses.
Vitamin D is essential to health. The human body manufacturers optimum levels of this vitamin and receives other benefits from adequate exposure to sunshine. Vitamin D supplements and tanning lights, used sensibly, can help to provide health benefits as an alternative to natural sun exposure.
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