Hello Ladies & Gents of LINY
Are you a beach bum sun loving summer addict like I am? I'm sure. I know my Long Island ladies. So with that said, why do we love flocking to the ocean and bearing it all covered in tropical smelling oils? We love it because it makes us happy. The sun is shining and warm, the days are longer and the nights are pretty hot, in a good way. Why is that?
Knows as the "sunshine
vitamin" Vitamin D plays a major in keeping us healthy.
According to the MAYO Clinic,
a very credible source; Vitamin D is found in many dietary sources, such as fish, eggs, fortified milk,
and cod liver oil. The sun also contributes significantly to the daily
production of vitamin D, and as little as 10 minutes of exposure is thought to
be enough to prevent deficiencies. Several physical disorders especially ones
which are bone related have been proven to be due to lack of Vitamin D. For the
below disorders, mental in nature, further studying is required before
conclusions can be made. However, research is coming up with interesting
findings with the following disorders that can affect our mental condition.
Hypertension
"Low levels of vitamin D may
play a role in the development of high blood pressure. It has been noted that
blood pressure is often elevated under the following conditions: during the
winter season, at a further distance from the equator, and in individuals with
dark skin pigmentation (all of which are associated with lower production of
vitamin D via sunlight)."
"Vitamin D." Mayo
Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 01 Sept. 2012.
Web. 28 Jan. 2013.
Mood
disorders
"Some studies suggest an
association between low vitamin D levels in the blood and various mood
disorders, including depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and
premenstrual syndrome. Also vitamin D supplementation may improve symptoms of
depression associated with seasonal affective disorder. Additional research is
needed before a conclusion can be made."
"Vitamin D." Mayo
Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 01 Sept. 2012.
Web. 28 Jan. 2013.
Seasonal
affective disorder (SAD)
"SAD is a form of depression
that occurs during the winter months, possibly due to reduced exposure to
sunlight. In one study, vitamin D was found to be better than light therapy in
the treatment of SAD."
"Vitamin D." Mayo
Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 01 Sept. 2012.
Web. 28 Jan. 2013.
So is the sun good for you? Yes, BUT
in moderation. Ten minutes of natural sunlight per day is recommended. What do
we do during the winter to chase away our cold weather blues and depressive
states if we cannot hop to the Caribbean for a week on the beach? You’re not
going to get a dose of Vitamin D sporting your two piece in your backyard on
top of a frozen pool so I think the best way to get a dose of the sunshine is
to go for a quick tanning session using SPF 20 or higher. I myself tan once a
month from October through April. When the summer months arrive I slap on my
UVAB sunscreen SPF 30 to protect my skin from dark sun spots and getting that
leathery look when I am older. I plan to keep my beautiful skin. Now there are
several studies that show that indoor tanning causes cancer, that is proven.
However, cutting edge doctors such as Dr. Joe Mercola say the use of tanning
beds is safe, of course with moderation. Dr. Oz (Mehmet Oz, MD) disagrees with
Dr. Joe Mercola stated the following:
"Recently, I had Dr. Joe
Mercola on as a guest of the show. His views on alternative medicine are
cutting edge – and often very controversial – garnering millions of online
followers as well as the scorn of mainstream medicine.
During our segment, Dr. Mercola
recommended the use of “safe” UVB tanning beds for getting vitamin D. While
vitamin D plays a number of major roles in our health and many Americans are
deficient in this nutrient, the use of tanning beds is a highly controversial
suggestion: The World Health Organization has recommended that no one use a
tanning bed for cosmetic purposes, now listed as a “known human carcinogen.”
This declaration was also made by the US Department of Health and Human
Services, which placed tanning beds in the same cancer-causing category as
tobacco.
During this same segment, I was intrigued
by Dr. Mercola's claims on the therapeutic value of these specific
UVB-emitting tanning beds (most tanning beds use only UVA rays, which can cause
damage far below the surface of the skin). As a doctor, it is my natural
inclination to evaluate and question emerging information in
science and medicine – but please do not misconstrue this as me changing my
stance on the dangers of indoor tanning.
My beliefs are firmly aligned with
those of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD):
Research shows that excessive ultraviolet radiation can lead to skin cancer.
The bottom line is both UVA and UVB rays cause cancer."
Oz, Mehmet, MD.
""Safe" Tanning Beds? Think Again." The Dr. Oz Show.
N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Jan. 2013.
I am not a doctor but I am also not
blind to see that excess tanning naturally or in a bed is dangerous for your
health and very bad for your skin. Here on Long Island sun damaged skin is the
most common skin concern for women over forty and up. If you go tanning weekly
then seek help because I can guarantee you, years will be added as the
cumulative effects of sun abuse come to the surface. Take very good care of your outer layer and understand that everything is good in moderation. Who does not enjoy a
warm and energizing dose of sunlight once a month to chase away the
"Winter Blues"?
Matthew Ambrosio
Professional Makeup Artist, Columnist &
Beauty Educator
