You’re familiar with the recommendations: Avoid the sun.  Always wear sunblock  Even if you’re just walking to and from the car, be sure you protect your skin.  Why?  Because supposedly melanoma — a deadly form of skin cancer — is on the rise.  And supposedly sun damage is the primary culprit.

The problem is, it simply isn’t true.

Is Melanoma on the Rise?

It is true that melanoma is being diagnosed at higher rates than in the past, but what does that really mean?  Researchers in 2009 found that only stage 1 diagnoses have increased; there has been no corresponding increase in the incidence of later-stage melanomas.  (Neither has there been a statistically-significant change in the mortality rate.)  The researchers conclude that the most probable explanation is not that melanoma is increasing at all but, rather, that due to an overabundance of caution, benign skin lesions are being diagnosed as stage 1 melanoma.

But What About the Sun? Isn’t it Dangerous?

Well, yes…and no.  It is true that overexposure to UV rays can be damaging.  But that is overly simplistic, and the recommendations are overly cautious (to the point of being detrimental, as we’ll see shortly).

See, UV rays come in more than one variety.  UVA rays are considerably more damaging; UVB rays are what enable the body to produce vitamin D.  Overall, we get the two together, but there are some differences that make a difference.

One major difference is that glass filters out UVB rays, but allows UVA rays through.  That means if you’re getting your sun exposure through windows, you’re getting the more damaging rays, but not getting compensatory vitamin D.  So sitting by the window all day every day is probably not very healthy.  But getting outside can be.

Another notable difference is that we’re exposed to UVA rays all day long, but UVB rays are only present with any strength during the middle of the day — exactly when we’re most strongly warned against being in the sun!

Sun Exposure is Actually Protective

An article published in the Lancet stated that “outdoor workers have a decreased risk of melanoma compared with indoor workers.” (Oddly enough, ‘though all their observed facts in that paragraph seem to contradict the conclusion that the sun is a significant cause, they nevertheless started with just that assumption.)  Chronic sun exposure, in particular, has been observed to have a protective effect, not a harmful one.

Why?  Likely because sun exposure — and exposure to UVB rays, specifically — is one of the most effective means of acquiring sufficient vitamin D.  Although it can be supplemented, the vitamin D produced on the skin upon sun exposure is different, and more readily available throughout the body, than the vitamin D consumed orally.

Sunblock is Harmful

It’s fairly obvious that most sunblocks consist of chemicals.  Many of these chemicals may be damaging.  PABA has been removed from sunblocks in recent years, specifically because it was found to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) — after it had been in use for many years!  The jury is still out on most chemicals in current use for sunblock.  Vitamin A and its derivatives are well-known to increase the development and spread of skin cancer, when applied to the skin and combined with UVA exposure.

And that’s just the cancer risk.  Other chemicals found in body products like sunblocks are known or suspected to cause other health issues, such as endocrine disruption (messes up your hormones).

So What Do We Do?

Get sun exposure — intentionally and in moderate doses.  Take steps to protect yourself safely when you’ve had enough.  And take action to increase your skin’s ability to protect itself, even during sun exposure.

We’ll save that for Part 2.

Legally necessary disclaimer: None of these statements have been evaluated or approved by the FDA.  I am not a medical practitioner and nothing here should be construed as treating, preventing, curing, or diagnosing any illness.  This post is for educational purposes only, and I encourage you to enlist the services of your preferred medical practitioner.

This post is being shared at Wellness Wednesday.