The Sun Dilemma: Embracing Exposure Safely
When should you catch those rays, which sunscreen is best, and what about those office days?
(Photo: shutterstock)The sun isn't harmful unless you spend too much time under it, particularly from 10 AM to 3 PM in the summer.
Using sunscreen can make us stay in the sun longer than we should, dulling our body's natural responses like increased redness and the warming sensation that tells us it's time to step away. So, it's not advised to use sunblockers like titanium oxide, zinc oxide, chemicals, or tanning lotions containing PABA as they might block the healing effects of sunlight, damage skin genetically, or even cause cancer.
Many people expose themselves to UVA more than they would without sunscreen. In reality, a sunburn is a natural protective response of the skin to increased UVA rays. On the other hand, Dr. Ackerman, recently honored with a top dermatology award, argued there is no proof linking sun exposure to melanoma cancer.
A Russian study found that workers exposed to ultraviolet light at their jobs had 50% fewer colds.
A weak immune system cannot adequately protect itself against illness, including skin cancer.
Employees spending 22 hours inside air-conditioned office spaces contribute to dry, cold air conditions stripping moisture from the skin, leaving it vulnerable to the elements. Additionally, air conditioning can lead to fungal and bacterial proliferation. Without the ability to access natural, humid air, the skin's ability to eliminate waste products is significantly reduced.
Moreover, dry skin absorbs the harmful chemicals from tanning creams and moisturizing lotions more readily, products heavily used in hot, dry areas. This can lead to weakened and severely damaged cells that, in many cases, unfortunately, become cancerous.
Researcher Dr. Callen Shaw conducted a melanoma survey at a London medical school and Sydney clinic in Australia. It revealed that malignant cancer rates were double among office workers compared to those working outdoors. The findings were published in the British medical journal "THELANCE". Dr. Shaw showed that people who spent most of their time exposed to natural sunlight almost never suffered from skin cancer. She also found that fluorescent lights cause mutations in cell cultures. In other words, we should all spend more time outside.
