Unless youve been hiding under a rock, by now you know too much sun exposure leads to faster aging skin as well as skin cancer. So, if youre like plenty of Americans you slather yourself with sun block, slip on shades, and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Well, dont stop doing that but experts suggest you might also want to allow some sunshine into your life. The key is moderation and that means ten full minutes of sunlight without protection, a few times a week. After that, back to serious sun-block business.
Here are the scientific reasons for moderate sun exposure:
Sunlight offers a boost of vitamin D, which has been associated with reduced chance of multiple sclerosis, breast and colon cancer, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
It also reduces bone diseases: Because of its role in helping the body to absorb calcium, getting sufficient sun exposure for the production of Vitamin D can help prevent bone diseases like osteoporosis.
Sunlight boosts the immune system: Vitamin D is essential to the immune system, and can help give it a bump so you can fight off disease more effectively.
It lowers resting pulse rate of the heart: Studies suggest that sunlight can help improve cardiovascular health.
It strengthens skin: Crazy? Well, while too much sun can be damaging, moderate exposure can actually be helpful to the skin. It can help your skin build up resistance to eczema and psoriasis.
Sunlight encourages physical exercise: Its more fun to be outside than it is to be inside.
Robin Westen is ThirdAges medical reporter. Check for her daily updates. She is the author of Ten Days to Detox: How to Look and Feel a Decade Younger.
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