The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Effects of Sun Exposure

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Summer isn't officially here yet, but it does feel like it's here with the hot weather and the sun shining bright.  That being said, i think that it's time to learn about the benefits and detriments of the sun and sun exposure as well as things that you can do to block out the Sun's harmful rays!  

 Benefits:

-One of the biggest benefits that the sun can offer you is provide your body with Vitamin D.  Vitamin D is essential for your health and the proper functioning of your cells and organs.  A lack of vitamin D can leave you vulnerable to a number of chronic diseases. 

- The sun actually helps you to be in a better mood.  Exposure to the suns rays helps increase your level of endorphins  - this improves your mood, has a positive effect on concentration and increases stress resistance.

Detriments: 

- Prolonged sun tanning between the hours of 10am-4pm causes wrinkles and discoloration to our skin.   

- As most of us know, it causes sun burns.  Ranging from first to third degree burns, trust me, it does happen...I got second degree sun burns in Cuba, and it hurts a lot and looks gross. 

- The worst side effect of UV radiation from the sun would be the development of malignant melanoma, or skin cancer.   

We all need to remember that although tans look great, and we wear them with such pride,that it is an effect of the defensive reaction of skin to the attack of sun’s rays!

What you can do:

The answer to this may sound super obvious, and i agree, it is; but you'd be surprised by the amount of people who don't give Sun damage a second thought and don't even think about doing these things to protect their future selves.  Okay, i know, i know, I'm getting to the answer, don't worry. 

Well, you can start by using a sun screen with a high SPF.  Sunscreen is definitely a pain to apply, so i recommend using a really good spray sunblock.  It's application is very quick and easy. Personally though, my favourite sunscreens are Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch sunscreen and Hawaiian Tropic.
 Next, wear hats and sunglasses when you can.  You can find the cutest wide brimmed hats and sun glasses these days.  Remember that you can look stylish while protecting yourself from over exposure to the sun.  Just make sure that you purchase sunglasses with a high UVA and UVB protection percentage, 99-100% if possible. 

Guidelines to follow when hanging out in the Sun:

-Try to schedule outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon, when the Suns rays are not at it's strongest.  (They're at their strongest between 10am-4pm). 

-Although it does not 100% protect you, try to hang out in the cool shade as much as you can.  On hot days this will keep you cool and underneath a tree or canopy is great location to just talk to your friends or hang out with your boyfriend or read a book.     

In sum, the sun is both very beneficial to our health, and detrimental.  It's just important to know how to enjoy it in a responsible way!