Salute the sun

You rely on the sun to give you light, warmth and life itself; yet too much can send you down the path of disease. So how can you protect your skin while still reaping all the benefits of sunshine?

- AMY SUMNER

For aeons, humans have revered the sun, yet over recent years, many have come to fear its power. It has long been known that sun exposure fortifies bone structure, elevates mood and governs your body clock; however, too much will put you at risk of deadly melanoma. With the looming threat of skin cancer, the rise of vitamin D deficiency, and the sunscreen aisle becoming a minefield of toxic ingredients and perplexing terms, you too are probably confused. Is the sun good or bad? The answer, of course, lies in between.

The healing power of sunshine The first rays of morning sunlight stimulate serotonin and cortisol production, gently awakening you from your slumber. Sunlight detected via the retina throughout the day prompts the release of more serotonin, which regulates appetite and calms your mood. The advent of darkness prompts the conversion of serotonin into sleep-inducing melatonin. Leaving your curtains open to receive morning sunlight and avoiding electronic screens at night-time can greatly improve your sleep patterns and ensure you awaken feeling refreshed. The sun is also key to vitamin D production.

Having a healthy vitamin D status is, in itself, associated with a brighter mood; however, studies have also shown that getting plentiful sun exposure can reduce depression and fatigue, irrespective of vitamin D levels. If you find yourself feeling gloomy in winter, you’re not alone. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that arises with a change in seasons, most often from the dip in sunlight occurring in the winter months. Sun exposure enables the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone, enkephalin and beta-endorphin. These molecules reduce stress, block pain and protect heart health. The opiate-like effect of betaendorphin on the brain may be addictive, resulting in withdrawal effects when sun exposure is reduced.