The sun: friend or enemy? This question has plagued scientists and beachgoers for decades. The University of Edinburgh has just sent us news of research into sun exposure in countries with little sun. The findings are shedding new light on this dilemma, suggesting that we may need to reevaluate our relationship with the daytime star.
A new look at sun exposure
Let me summarize it bluntly: the health benefits of sun exposure may outweigh the risks for people living in places with limited sunlight, such as some parts of the UK.
This research, published in the journal Health and Place (I link it to you here) challenges some of the long-held beliefs about the dangers of UV exposure.
Methodology and key findings
The researchers used genetic and health data of 395.000 people across the UK, sourced from the UK BioBank. They applied two measures to identify those who were exposed to higher levels of UV:
- The geographical position of participants to calculate their average annual exposure to solar energy.
- The use of tanning beds.
The results were adjusted for other factors that could influence health, such as smoking, exercise, social deprivation and gender.
Unexpected benefits of sun exposure
The study revealed some surprising data:
- Living in places with higher UV levels, such as Cornwall, was associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease (19% less) and cancer (12% less) compared to living in areas with lower UV levels, such as Edinburgh or Glasgow.
- Tanning bed use was linked to a 23% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and 14% lower risk from cancer, compared to non-users.
Professor Chris Dibben, from the School of GeoSciences at the University of Edinburgh, comments:
Our study adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests that in environments with less light, relatively higher exposure to UV rays is beneficial to health.
Balancing risks and benefits
Despite these promising results, experts highlight the obvious importance of a balanced approach. The professor Richard Weller, from the Center for Inflammation Research at the University of Edinburgh, says:
When the UV index is very high, protecting the skin is important. However, this research shows that in the UK, the balance of benefits and risks of sun exposure is likely to be very different to that of sunniest countries.
The study indeed found a slight increase in the risk of being diagnosed with melanoma among those with higher estimated exposure to UV rays, but the risk of death from this condition was not increased.
Public health implications
These findings could have important implications for public health guidelines in countries with low sun exposure. The authors suggest that adapting public health advice to reflect both the risks and benefits of UV exposure could help reduce the burden of disease and improve life expectancy in countries with little sunlight.
It is important to note that this study is based on UK data from a white European population, so the findings are more relevant to similar groups in countries with little sunlight. Experts point to the need for further research in locations with greater UV exposure to build a clearer picture of the potential health benefits.
Conclusion: a new balance between sun and shade
This research opens new perspectives on the role of sun exposure in human health, especially in regions traditionally considered “low sun”. As we continue to protect our skin from excessive sun damage, we may need to reconsider the importance of moderate UV exposure, especially in less sunny climates.
In summary, and forgive me for the approximation: where there is less sun, integrate with UV sunbeds.
The key message appears to be the need for a more nuanced and region-specific approach to sun exposure recommendations. As always in science, the truth often lies somewhere in the middle, and finding the right balance between the benefits and risks of sun exposure could be the key to optimizing our health in a world of ever-changing climate.
