Pros and cons of sunbathing
Take care when sunbathing and avoid risks for your skin and health.
The sun can cause irreparable damage to your skin so when exposed to it, wear solar factors that filter the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays.
How can the sun harm you?
- It damages the skin`s collagen and elastin.
- It damages the skin`s defences and leaves it exposed to infection.
- It causes premature ageing of the skin, wrinkles and blemishes.
- It causes burns which leave scars.
- It can cause skin cancer (melanomas or carcinomas).
But the sun affords real benefits too.
Do you really know what they are?
- It improves your skin`s appearance.
A tan makes you look more active and healthy. It improves acne, helps eliminate spots because they dry up, and helps cure lesions produced by illnesses like psoriasis, or dermatitis.
- It strengthens bones.
The sun activates vitamin D synthesis, which is indispensable for calcium to be absorbed properly so that bones do not weaken. It favours the development of bones and tissues in growth stages, thus preventing rickets.
- It improves the immune system.
Exposure to the sun increases the number of lymphocytes in the blood, which are the body`s defences.
It lowers blood pressure.
Body temperature rises and acts as a vasodilator. This helps lower blood pressure.
- It improves mood.
The sun`s rays stimulate the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in your mood and helps you rest properly as well as regulating the stress hormone.
- It affects sexual life.
It raises testosterone levels, which increases libido.
- It protects against some types of cancer.
Five minutes a day exposed to the sun`s rays can help protect you against colon or breast cancer, thanks to the action of vitamin D.
Do not forget to protect your skin and eyes if you sunbathe and do not sunbathe in very hot places or in the early hours of the afternoon.
That way you will be getting the best out of the sun. Be sensible.