Expert Advice from Dr. Donn R. Chatham
Sunlight is a powerful natural medicine, but it requires a careful prescription, especially with your skin exposure! Dr. Donn R. Chatham, board-certified facial plastic surgeon explains that “it sets off a chain reaction of chemical processes that can either supercharge your health or cause long-term cellular damage. The secret lies in understanding how your body interacts with ultraviolet (UV) light so you can safely harvest its benefits while keeping the risks at bay.”
While the appeal of sunbathing is strong, people should be aware of the danger. The National Institute of Health (NIH) warns that, “sunbathing during youth significantly elevates lifetime skin cancer and premature aging risks.” It is important to note that the damage is done early as, “up to 80% of lifetime UV damage happens by age 18, making teen skin particularly vulnerable.” 1
Dr. Chatham advises all ages to be cautious as “there is no such thing as a safe tan. No matter the skin color, any darkening indicates damaged skin cells.”
The Good: Why Your Body Craves Sunshine
- The Vitamin D Factory: When UVB rays hit your skin, they instantly transform an existing cholesterol compound into vitamin D. This powerhouse nutrient is vital for strong bones, a sharp mind, and a robust immune system.
- The Ultimate Mood Booster: Sunlight triggers your brain to release serotonin and endorphins. These are your body’s natural feel-good chemicals that lift your mood, lower stress, and give you that distinct post-sunshine glow.
- A Natural Sleep Aid: Getting bright light on your skin and eyes early in the day acts as an anchor for your biological clock. It sets your circadian rhythm, telling your body exactly when to be alert and when to wind down for deep sleep at night.
The Bad: What May Happen When You Get Too Much
- DNA and Cellular Damage: UVB rays carry high energy. When you overexpose your skin, these rays directly tear through the DNA of your skin cells, causing painful sunburns and drastically increasing your risk for various skin cancers.
- Accelerated (Premature Skin) Aging (Photoaging): UVA rays have a longer wavelength, allowing them to dive deep into your skin’s lower layers. They aggressively break down collagen and elastin—the structural proteins that keep your skin firm—leading to premature wrinkles, sagging, and age spots.
- The Distress Tan: While a golden glow is often praised socially, a tan is actually your skin’s defense mechanism. When UV rays threaten cell nuclei, your skin rushes to produce dark melanin pigment to build a literal shield over your DNA.
- Tip: Most of our patients have greater sun damage on their left face. Why? This is their exposed ‘driving side’ so in their cars most irradiation comes through their window on their left driving side. Be sure to apply sun block to this side for longer driving trips.
How To Use The Sun Like A Pro
You don’t need to hide in the dark to stay safe. Instead, use these smart strategies to make the sun work for your wellness routine:
- Take Short “Sun Snacks”: For most people, just 10 to 20 minutes of daily exposure on your arms and legs is plenty to max out your vitamin D production. Lighter skin tones absorb it faster, while darker skin tones require a bit more time.
- Catch the Morning Rays: Step outside before 10:00 a.m. Morning sunlight provides excellent circadian rhythm and mood benefits when the UV index is still low and safe.
- Respect the Midday Peak: The sun is at its most damaging between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. If you are outside during these hours, seek shade, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and use a clean, broad-spectrum (Zinc containing) sunscreen.
- Tip: Fair skinned folks (light hair, blue eyes, light complexion) will need more lifetime diligence when using sun blocks with Zinc than then more swarthy folks (darker hair, complexion). At Chatham Facial Plastic Surgery & Medical Skin Care, Dr. Chatham offers proven skincare products based on science. Our products are carefully selected and are fragrance-free, dye-free, and fairly priced. Call 812- 945-3223 to order and you can schedule an appointment with Tara, licensed aesthetician in our Kentucky office.
There can be a tendency when we are young to seek a bigger dose of sun than is healthy. Years later, we might learn the hard way the foolishness of our youthful decisions. But there is help for sun-related skin damage! Dr. Chatham offers a variety of non-surgical skin rejuvenation procedures, including laser and light medical devices, chemical peels, light skin resurfacing, facial fillers, and a variety of skin care treatments to help address the signs of sun damage skin.
We can find the right prescription at any age that protects the health and beauty of our own special face!
1 Salvado M, Fraga A, Marques DL, Pires IM, Gonçalves CC, Silva NM. Sun Exposure in Pediatric Age: Perspective of Caregivers. Children (Basel). 2021 Nov 6;8(11):1019. doi: 10.3390/children8111019. PMID: 34828732; PMCID: PMC8625385.
