Blog
Sun Exposure-- Part I
July 08, 2010
Sun makes us feel good—UV stimulates production of endorphins—the feel-good brain chemical. Exercise does the same thing. Most dermatologists advise never to go out into the sun without sun protection and in fact, preach sun avoidance.
Skin cancer is rising because we are exposing more of our bodies to sun than we did before. Since the time of Coco Chanel we have equated a tan with health and wealth. In days of yore, the upper class stayed pale and labourers, cowboys and farmers got a tan. We’re also living longer—the median age globally is now 42—and 100 years ago it was only 16.
Tanning parlours are also causes of skin cancer, and should be avoided. If tanned skin is really important to a person, sunless tanning is a safer option. Tanning creams and lotions have come a long way and offer a good, at home alternative to tanning.
