Say goodbye to the sun? No, never! Having a tanned complexion that would make colleagues green with envy, splashing about in the pool in summer enjoying the ambient heat:impossible to give up. However, we all know that too much sun is dangerous for your health. So how can you take advantage of its benefits and safely fill up on vitamin D?
The sun, a friend who wishes you well
The sun is good for morale
Light boosts our good mood and has an energizing effect. It is enough to see a ray of sunshine coming out of bed to feel full of energy. Experiments have also proven that it galvanizes our mood, increases our productivity, and increases our intellectual performance.
The sun is also good for the bones...
Vitamin D is essential for the binding of calcium to the bones. However, this is synthesized by our skin when we are exposed to UVB rays. So, to have a steel skeleton and avoid certain diseases like osteoporosis, we take out our legs and practice an outdoor activity! 15 to 30 minutes a day is enough.
…and the immune system
According to researchers at the Georgetown University Medical Center , UV rays stimulate the activity of T lymphocytes. This army of cells ensures your defense when your body is exposed to viral, bacterial, autoimmune infections, etc.
The sun:consume in moderation
Be careful, in high doses, the sun can be dangerous for your health. What are the risks of exposing yourself too much?
Who is responsible for all these inconveniences? Ultraviolet rays. With each exposure, whether natural (UVA, UVB) or artificial (solarium), the rays deteriorate small DNA fragments that make up the cells of the skin.
Solarium:preconceived ideas to banish
The solarium prepares the skin for the sun. Fake ! On the contrary, the risk of developing melanoma is increased by 60% for people who have had their first exposure to artificial UV rays before the age of 30.[1]
Tanning sessions help active vitamin D secretion. Fake ! Vitamin D is secreted by natural ultraviolet rays.
Getting UV rays done is good for fighting winter blues. Fake ! Only visible light is good for morale. However, UV rays are invisible.
Moles:Maximum Vigilance
A mole, or " nevus " is a cluster of pigment cells inside the skin. Even though everyone finds it charming, having moles means you've been exposed to too much sun.
Generally, a benign mole has a symmetrical appearance, a uniform color (brown or pink), very regular edges and a diameter of less than 6 millimeters. Regular monitoring is therefore essential. If you notice a change in the appearance of one or more of your moles, you should quickly consult a dermatologist to make sure that it is not the beginning of melanoma.
If you have many moles on your body, you need to protect them to prevent them from developing into cancerous cells. During the summer, prefer shade, wear a hat (it's super trendy!) and apply your cream before each exposure and every two hours.
Skin cancer in France:the figures
With approximately 60,000 new cases each year (including nearly 7,500 melanomas), skin cancer is one of the most common in France.[2] A figure that has been growing steadily since the 1980s, in particular due to the change in the behavior of French people who expose themselves more easily to the sun.
7 tips to keep the sun a pleasure
So, no more fanning toes on the beach? Outdoor picnics with the children? Of course not. Enjoying the benefits of the sun without putting your health at risk is quite possible, provided you follow a few rules:
The sun, we love it! It gives us a pretty face and boosts our good mood. To be able to enjoy its benefits for as long as possible in peace, remember to adopt the right gestures. And above all, beware of moles.
[1]International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
[2]League Against Cancer
