Unveiling the Truth about Sun ExposureHow Much Sun Is Good For Our Health?

The sun is good for you, but like everything in life, in moderation. Just being in the sun for 10 to 15 minutes a day can boost your vitamin D production and improve your sleep. On the other hand, too much sunlight can cause skin cancer. So, sunscreen is a must when you are outdoors.

What are the benefits?

• Small amounts of sun exposure can boost your mood
• It increases vitamin D production, essential for metabolism, bone and joint health and general well-being
• Generally, 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure daily is adequate to receive these benefits
• To protect yourself against sun damage and minimize health risks, you should wear sunscreen daily with at least an SPF of 50

What are the dangers?

• Sunburn: Most people are aware of this, symptoms include redness, swelling, pain or tenderness and blisters Repeated episodes, especially in childhood can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer
• Eye damage: Long-term exposure to UV light can damage the retina (the back of the eye that helps you see)
• Ageing skin: Spending too long in the sun can cause your skin to age faster and lose its elasticity. Some people develop more wrinkled, loose or leathery skin when exposed to too much sun
• Skin changes: Freckles, moles and other skin changes can be caused by sun exposure and put you at higher risk of developing cancerous changes over time

If you plan on spending a lot of time in the sun, make sure to avoid getting sunburned. Ensure you cover up with long-sleeved clothes, wear a hat, especially if you have very little hair on your head and wear sunscreen daily. I would recommend that you reapply sunscreen every two to three hours you spend in the sun, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.

Again, as with everything, moderation is key. Getting out and enjoying the sun is essential to make you feel well, sleep well and improve your health and well-being but be cautious with overdoing it, it does increase your chances of skin cancer.

If you have any concerns about Sun damage on your skin, don’t hesitate to contact us at Extracellular for a thorough assessment and to discuss your options. 

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Dr Niruban Ratnarajah

Private GP with a special interest in Dermatology at Extracellular