Sun Exposure

It is with good reason that we describe a positive person as a “ray” of sunshine. The sun benefits us by improving low moods and relieving the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, Sun exposure also triggers the production of vitamin D, which helps to build strong bones. Limited exposure, no more than 20 minutes, is enough to take advantage of the sun’s hea;thful force. Yet in sunny South Africa, we tend to spend more time outside. After just 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, ultraviolet rays can start damaging skin, UVB rays target the top layers of skin and cause burning, while UVA layers penetrate deep into the skin and cause long term damage such as wrinkles and discolouration. Ultraviolet radiation is also the type produced by sunbeds, which makes them just as dangerous as the sun. UV rays can cause DNA mutations in skin cells, resulting in various types of skin cancer. That is why it is so important to stay out of the sun in the middle of the day when rays are strongest, and to always use sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection when you go outside.