With all the nice weather in our forecast, everyone is eager to have some fun in the sun. Before we get too carried being outside every chance we can get, it’s important to remember sunshine is great in moderation.. just like most things in life! It offers many essential benefits for the body, but too much of it can cause harm. We’ve listed out a few pros and cons below.
Pros:
One of the sun’s most notable benefits is the vitamin D that sunlight produces in the body. Vitamin D improves bone health and also the immune system. In technical terms, the sun’s ultraviolet B rays mix with a protein within the body to create vitamin D which is pretty incredible. The sun is also known to reduce high blood pressure or hypertension, therefore reducing heart attacks and stroke risks. An increase of sunlight is not only good for your physical health, but also your mental health. Sunlight can help reduce the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which is more prominent during the fall and winter seasons due to the lack of sunlight. Just standing in the sunlight for a few minutes can help reverse some of the effects of SAD.
Cons:
As great as the warm sun feels on your face and provides some benefits, it comes with harmful short-term and long-term risks. The sun acts as a catalyst for fine lines and wrinkles, along with an increase of pigmentation and discoloration. Looking at the short-term list, a sunburn you may receive from your boat outing or beach trip is a sign of recent overexposure. Long-term overexposure, however, quickens premature aging and can cause skin cancer from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Limiting time in direct sun, applying sunscreen often or wearing SPF clothing and hats are all ways to help avoid these cons.
These sun fun facts are not meant to deter you from enjoying this weather, especially after a long, dark winter. Just make sure you are making smart choices when it comes to sun exposure and protecting your skin! Now.. out you go, enjoy the amazing benefits of the sun, just remember – all in moderation.