The Sun and UV Rays: How Dangerous Are They?

Continuous exposure to sunlight can be harmful to health, experts say. But are those living at the North and South Poles, who don't receive direct exposure to the sun's rays for long periods of time, safe from this damage? Or, at the other extreme, are those living in deserts at greater risk of contracting skin diseases from continuous exposure to sunlight?

Humans are exposed to the sun's ultraviolet (or UV) rays, regardless of whether the sky is cloudy or clear. This is even true at night, because even if the sun isn't shining directly on you, we're still exposed, just at a lower intensity.

But it's not all negative. Just as plants need these UV rays to give their leaves, flowers, and fruits their color, our bodies also need them to maintain our skin pigmentation. These include people who are "albinos." They lack the protective layer on their skin that prevents UV rays from more intensely damaging our body's largest organ.

On the other hand, they say the best times to get sun exposure are in the mornings between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., and in the afternoons between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. However, with these constant climate changes, I'd say the intensity is the same at any time of day.

My recommendation is to use sunscreen and avoid prolonged direct exposure to UV rays. I know many of us like to go to the beach, and that's where we're most exposed, but as I said before, even when you're sheltered under an umbrella, you'll still be exposed to the sun's rays.

Take care of yourselves and see you next time.