Sunshine is good for the skin

WE are often told about the sun damaging the skin, causing wrinkles and giving you a tan, that it’s sometimes easy to forget that the sun also provides health benefits.

In fact, most life forms are sensitive to light. Trees and plants grow towards sunlight, and a significant part of animal behaviour, including sleeping, eating and hunting are often strongly linked to the cycle of day and night. Scientists call these circadian rhythms, and note that while humans are less susceptible, being able to work night, for example, light does influence our moods.

Current research suggests that our brains secrete certain chemicals when stimulated by sunlight and that interfering with this natural cycle makes us feel low.

Most importantly, sunlight helps the body create vitamin D, a vitamin and a hormone that is important for healthy teeth and bones. New research suggests that this vitamin may also help protect against certain types of cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Vitamin D deficiency is now becoming a serious problem in some Western countries, due to there being little sun in winter and people hiding indoors in summer because they’re worried about possible negative effects.

For us in Malaysia it might seem less likely, but if you’re indoors all day, and drive everywhere instead of walking, you may be short on this vitamin, too. Doctors argue over whether it’s best to get what you need from your diet alone or whether you should let your natural system work for you by getting a little sun for a few minutes a week. They also argue over how many minutes are optimum, as light quality varies according to pollution, time of day and other factors.

As such, if your family has a history of bone disease, or you think you’re feeling down from not getting enough natural light, consult your doctor and figure out what’s best for you.