PUT THE SKIN IN THE LIMELIGHT

Today, Saturday, May 30, is Skin Cancer Day. In the Netherlands, skin cancer is one of the most common skin diseases and also the most common form of cancer. On this day, we will consider the question: “Your skin protects you. Do you protect your skin? “Today, we want to focus on the sun. The sun can be harmful to the skin, especially when overexposed. We therefore always recommend an SPF if you are in the sun for more than 10-15 minutes. On the other hand, the sun is also a source of nourishment for the skin and the whole body. Indeed, the UV radiation from the sun is necessary for the production of vitamin D. Sounds contradictory, right? We'll explain it.What is Vitamin D? Despite the name, vitamin D isn't like other vitamins. This is because it can be produced by the human body itself under the influence of ultraviolet light (such as the light of the sun, better known as UV radiation). Most “standard” vitamins can only be obtained through consumption. This means that when it comes to vitamin D, many people do not think of a certain food or supplement to take daily. However, a lack of this vitamin can cause health problems. This is because the body needs vitamin D to be able to absorb calcium, among other things. Calcium is an important mineral that is needed to keep your bones, teeth, and skin healthy and strong. How do you get vitamin D? As mentioned earlier, vitamin D is produced by the skin under the influence of UV radiation from the sun. Regular exposure to the sun can therefore ensure that your body produces enough vitamin D. However, this is not so obvious to everyone. Many people work indoors or in the evening and therefore sleep during the day. Some people can't go out in the sun for a medical reason. Or think of the winter months, when people often prefer to stay indoors too. In this case, it's good to think of other ways to get vitamin D. This can be done, for example, by taking vitamin D supplements or by adjusting your diet accordingly. Oily fish such as salmon and tuna, cheese, egg, and beef liver all contain vitamin D. How does vitamin D help the skin? The skin absorbs the sun's UV radiation and converts it into vitamin D. Vitamin D is an important element in processes such as the absorption of minerals (e.g. calcium), but it also plays an important role in cell growth and cell division, such as in the immune system. A good immune system is needed to keep the entire body, including skin, strong and healthy. Sunlight therefore has good and bad effects on the body. The harmful effects usually only occur after extreme sun exposure. So don't overdo it and also use sunlight responsibly. Enjoy, but sunbathe in moderation.