🌞 Rethinking Sunlight: A Healthspan Perspective

🌞 Rethinking Sunlight: A Healthspan Perspective

“frequent regular sun exposure acts to cause cancers that have a 0.3% death rate with 2,000 U.S. fatalities per year [SCC andBCC skin cancers] and acts to prevent cancers that have death rates from 20-65% with 138,000 U.S. fatalities per year [breast, colon, and blood cancers"

PMID: 15687362

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For years, we’ve been told that UV light is the enemy. Sunscreens and sunglasses have become daily essentials, blocking out not just UVA and UVB but many other beneficial wavelengths of sunlight. But is this approach really serving our long-term health? 🤔

Much of the research warning us about UV exposure uses isolated UVA and UVB light in trials. This doesn’t reflect real-world sunlight, which contains a broad spectrum of wavelengths, including infrared (IR) light, visible light, and ultraviolet (UV) light combined.

In reality, sunlight isn’t harmful when experienced in its natural, balanced form—in fact, it can be health-enhancing.Recent studies show that UVA and UVB light combined with infrared (IR) light can actually promote longevity and vitality. IR light has been found to play a key role in cellular repair, improved mitochondrial function, and even boosting your immune system. 🌱 By blocking out this spectrum, we might be depriving ourselves of these benefits.

We know that risk of some of the biggest cause of morbidity are linked to a vitamin d deficiency and even for melanoma, the data isn’t absolute, suggesting that regular, mindful sun exposure is different to burning twice a year in holiday.

Moreover, increasing evidence suggests that chemical sunscreens may cause harm to both our health and the environment.

Common ingredients in chemical sunscreens, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been linked to endocrine disruption, oxidative stress, and even coral reef damage. These chemicals can be absorbed into the bloodstream, with studies detecting them in the body long after application. 🧪A healthier alternative for sunscreen use is to opt for mineral sunscreens, which use ingredients like zinc oxide. These physical blockers sit on top of the skin, providing broad-spectrum protection without being absorbed into the body.

Mineral sunscreens reflect harmful rays and allow the beneficial aspects of sunlight to reach your skin without the risks associated with chemical filters.Rather than completely shielding ourselves with chemical sunscreens and sunglasses, maybe it’s time we adopt a more nuanced approach—one that lets in the natural synergy of sunlight for better overall health.

🌿✨Balanced Sunlight Exposure:PMID: 25226343Infrared Light and Mitochondrial Health:PMID: 29138746

Sunscreen Use and Chemical Impact:PMID: 21496701

The Role of UV in Healthspan:PMID: 18162444

Harm from Chemical Sunscreens (Endocrine Disruption):PMID: 22044660

Harm from Chemical Sunscreens (Absorption into the Body):PMID: 31058986Mineral Sunscreens as a Safer Alternative:PMID: 24928747#health