Newsletter #181 ☀️ Skin & Sun — The Truth You Need to Know
Newsletter about nature and science
☀️ Skin & Sun — The Truth You Need to Know
Your skin is your largest organ — your shield against the outside world, and a vital regulator of temperature and water balance. But sunlight, and the ultraviolet (UV) light it brings, is both friend and foe.
The good: Sunlight triggers vitamin D production, vital for strong bones, healthy immunity, and more.
The bad: UV light dramatically raises your risk of skin cancer — even if you have darker skin. Tanning does not protect you.
UVA vs. UVB — Why it matters
UVA (longwave) penetrates deep, causing skin aging, loss of elasticity, dark spots, and some cancers. It’s present year-round, and half gets through glass.
UVB (shortwave) hits the skin’s surface, causes sunburn, and is the main cause of skin cancer. It’s strongest midday in summer and at lower latitudes.
Evolution and skin color
Lighter skin evolved in low-UV areas to boost vitamin D. Darker skin evolved in high-UV zones to protect folate (vitamin B9) from being destroyed by sunlight. Both have strengths, but at every latitude, sunburn is harmful. Childhood burns greatly increase the risk of melanoma — a deadly cancer also linked to tanning beds.
The bright side
Moderate sun exposure is linked to lower heart disease risk, reduced cancer rates, better sleep, and a healthier biological clock.
5 Sun-Safe Rules
Avoid midday sun in summer without protection.
Clothing beats sunscreen; if using it, go for SPF 100 and reapply every 2 hours.
Fair-skinned in (sub)tropics? Extra caution — UV is high all day.
Darker skin still needs protection.
Enjoy the sun’s benefits — but never burn.
☀️ Bottom line: Sunlight is healthy — in moderation. Protect your skin, skip the burn, and soak up the benefits.
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