In the scientific community, a sheer incredible number of papers are published in fields that are relevant to our industry, for example UV radiation or the synthesis of vitamin D and its’ implication on different aspects of human health.
To provide an overview about the most recently published studies, ESA has compiled them in a compelling way that allows also non-scientists to understand the newest developments.
A small excerpt from the Scientific Overview:
There is a lot of confusion caused by different public health messages that are often one-sided and focus mainly on the adverse effects while completely neglecting any health benefits of moderate and responsible exposure to UV radiation. Actually, many scientists agree, that if practiced in moderation and especially avoiding sunburn, the health benefits far outweigh the adverse effects! Furthermore, in a professional studio, sunbeds provide the advantage of being in a controlled environment in comparison to sunlight exposure. An often overlooked fact is also, that the sun and sunbeds provide other health benefits besides the mainly mentioned vitamin D synthesis. Exposure to UV radiation is also releasing nitric oxide in the skin which has a vasodilative effect on the blood vessels and therefore decreases hypertension and the risk for other cardiovascular diseases. Other mediators include serotonin, beta-endorphin, among others, which contribute to the well-being in many ways.
Sun Avoidance
Surprisingly, the researchers observed no differences in all cause mortality or cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM) mortality between those who exposed themselves to the sun and those who avoided the sun. Additionally, those who avoided the sun experienced a shorter life expectancy (0.6 – 2.1 years shorter life expectancy) as they were at a higher risk of death from heart disease and stroke, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and pulmonary disease. When comparing smokers who sunbathed to nonsmokers who avoided the sun, the researchers found that the women had an equal risk of mortality.
Lindqvist et al. (2016), Avoidance of sun exposure as a risk factor for major causes of death: a competing risk analysis of the Melanoma in Southern Sweden cohort.
The full document can be downloaded here.
