The Benefits of Sunlight for Health

SUNBATHING

A sunbath is best taken in the morning when the air is clear, and the heat not too great. In the summer it may be taken as early as eight o'clock. In cool weather, it may be taken later in the forenoon. Care must be taken to prevent overheating or chilling. In order to avoid a sunburn it is necessary to start with a short exposure and to increase the time gradually on following days. 

The ultraviolet light is the light that has proven to be the most health restoring. Unfortunately, it is also one that is most easily eliminated by window glass, sunglasses or clothing. The most important part of our body that the sun's ultraviolet rays need to reach is our eyes. Sunglasses and regular glasses will not let the ultraviolet rays (the healing rays of the sun) reach the eyes. So, when you are sunbathing use no glasses-just close your eyes and look at the sun with your eyes closed so the ultraviolet rays can penetrate the eye lids. It would be good to do this a minimum of 10 minutes each day. 

This is especially good for women with a hormonal imbalance (during their monthly cycle), and anyone with a nervous disorder. During sun bathing the amount of ultraviolet light available depends upon the location of the earth and the season. The more atmosphere the ultraviolet light must pass through the less there will be to reach the earth. In the winter there is less ultraviolet light available as the northern hemisphere is tilted away from the sun; so the best time to sunbathe is between 10 AM and 2 PM. In the summer ultraviolet light is available over a longer period of time, so it is best to sunbathe between 8 AM and 4 PM.

SUNBURN

During the sunbath you should feel good. There should be no feeling of depression or discomfort. If, as a result of exposure to the sun, you feel weak, too warm, or there are signs of headache, stop at once. The degree of injury to the skin depends on the concentration of ultraviolet rays, the duration of the exposure, and the amount of pigment within the skin of the individual. Blondes and redheads are particularly susceptible. On repeated exposure to sunlight, most persons develop an increased amount of pigment in the skin (suntan) and thus become less susceptible to sunburn while the excess pigmentation lasts. 

Drugs, cosmetics and soaps can so sensitize the skin that burning becomes a real problem. One should not be afraid of sweating, as the sweating process cools the body and eliminates toxins. One has to take into consideration, when sunbathing, the time of day, location, season of the year, latitude and elevation. Sun burning can take place faster in mile high Denver, Colorado, than it can at sea level, for the sun's rays have a mile less of atmosphere through which to pass. 

If one is sunbathing at the beach, he will probably burn faster than on the back lawn. The amount of ultraviolet light reflected from the environment can make a big difference. Snow will reflect about 86% of the ultraviolet, dry sand 17% and grass 2.5%. Water is a poor reflector of ultraviolet light.

Reflection of the sun's rays by a clear, blue sky overhead, may double the effect of the ultraviolet rays which come from the sun itself. One other thing to remember is that wet skin will burn more rapidly than dry skin. While sunbathing, use no kind of lotions, creams, sun screening agents, etc. Sunscreens containing a tanning ingredient may promote skin cancer. Lyle Cartwright, M.D. of the University of California Medical Center at San Diego, found tumors and skin changes in laboratory mice that had been covered 34 with the tanning ingredient and exposed to sunlight. 

The researchers reported that 100% of the mice, having sunscreen applications and a dose of sunlight equal to one hour of midday sun in a temperate climate, developed tumors. Mice, not treated with sunscreen, but given large doses of sunshine, did not develop tumors. (American Medical News, June 24,1983, pg.18). Clean skin is the best for sunbathing. Natural sunshine is best for sunbathing. There are no sun lamps made that can match our natural sun. Some are different from the sunlight and may actually be harmful. Light is a nutrient much like food; and, like food, the wrong kind can make us ill, and the right kind can keep us well.