Sun exposure is recognized for being a factor of skin affections and cancers. However, UV rays are also responsible for biological mechanisms whose positive action has been demonstrated on a great number of other, just as serious diseases. As a matter of fact, the protective filters used in sunscreens inhibit these mechanisms… How to protect the skin from the sun, while preserving the benefits of exposure? Two innovative approaches were introduced at the Sun Protection Conference held in London on June 6-7, 2017.
There is already much evidence of the hazards of UV rays for the skin: we know that excessive exposure to the sun or in tanning booths is responsible for most skin cancers. However, the benefits for health of sun exposure also tend to be more and more demonstrated - which creates a new paradigm for sun protection.
UV rays, health factors
During his presentation, Dr Richard Weller, Chief Medical Officer of British company RelaxSol, provided the results of a survey conducted in Sweden among 30,000 women over 20 years (Lindqvist et al., Internal Med. 2014). He aimed to search for a relationship between UV exposure habits (in tanning booths or in the sun, during summer, winter, or the holidays…), and life expectancy. Result: the more women avoided sun exposure, the younger they died. The researchers’ conclusion was that avoiding the sun was a risk factor for all causes of death…
Vitamin D producers
One of the main causes is related to the high blood pressure, CVAs, and heart attacks it can trigger, Dr Richard Weller reiterated. Studies have shown it is strongly correlated with latitude (it is less present in the regions that get a lot of sunshine), and also …
