Why I avoid the sun

Written by: Bryan Johnson

Published on: October 18, 2024

Why I avoid the sun

Written by: Bryan Johnson

Published on: October 18, 2024

Hi Friends,

People call me a vampire. It's true, I avoid the sun. But not all the time. Sunlight is good for you, and it also causes accelerated skin aging and cancer.

People fervently want me to get a tan because they assume my pale skin is unhealthy. Our culture mistakenly equates a sun tan with health, but that's far from the truth. Exposure to the sun's UV can harm the skin, leading to premature aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer. A sun tan isn't a marker of good health; it's a sign your skin has been damaged.

In this email I am going to share with you my tips for sunlight exposure, how to get the good without the bad.

Sunlight is good

Sunlight helps the skin produce vitamin D. This is good for bones and immune health.
It can increase serotonin, a hormone that promotes mood and calmness.
Natural light helps regulate our circadian rhythm which improves sleep quality.

Sunlight is bad

UV rays from the sun break down collagen and elastin. This leads to wrinkles, sagging, and general skin aging.
Large amounts of UV also increase the risk of skin cancers, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Tips to get the good without the bad:

Get sun exposure when the UV index is below 3; early mornings and late afternoons.
Don’t get burned.
When the UV index is >4, wear a hat or use a UV umbrella.
Use a UV light in the morning to promote your circadian rhythm without the sun. I use a 10k Lux Carex lamp.
You can supplement your Vitamin D levels. I take 2,000 IU daily.
Use sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB. I use EltaMD.
Use a mineral sunscreen if possible.
A burn is potentially more dangerous than a chemical sunscreen. Try to avoid both.
If you dislike sunscreen, refer to 1, 2, and 3.

Bryan

Disclaimer: this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician.

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