UVB light as a natural sunscreen
Spring is here, the light outside is on again. At long last! We could all do with some solar energy and UVB light, especially after a long winter. But before we expose ourselves to that sun en masse, it is advisable that we prepare our skin. And no, you don't have to go to the tropics or sunbed for that. Michael Tulp, CEO of Sunshower, explains the value of UVB light.
'People know and recognize the positive effect of sunlight,' Tulp says. 'Of course, everyone knows that too much sun at once is harmful in the long term. But we now also know that UVB light is indispensable for the production of vitamin D and that UVB light is not only important to our bones and teeth, but also to our resistance. By maintaining a healthy vitamin D level, we strengthen the immune system. It protects us against respiratory infections, 'flu and colds. Who wouldn't want that?'
What is UV light?
An additional advantage is that by gradually exposing our skin to UVB light safely, we are better prepared for the summer sun. But what is UV light exactly? Michael Tulp explains: ‘UV light consists of UV-A and UV-B light. The waves of UV-A light have a longer wavelength (315-400nm) than UVB light (280-315nm). The shorter the wave, the more energy it contains and the deeper it penetrates the skin. 'The shorter waves of UV-B light are absorbed quite directly by macromolecules in the epidermis. The UV-A rays penetrate the dermis.'
Another question Michael is often asked is: is UV light harmful? 'As Safety is always paramount, Sunshower works with dermatologists from our medical sister company Dermasun. Thanks to their knowledge from scientific research on UV rays, we can guarantee that our devices are safe.'
Parasol against UVA and UVB light
Tulp delivers a brief lecture on how to protect your skin from the strong (summer) sun: 'It is important to consistently absorb a low dose of sunlight. The skin will then react in three different ways: Firstly, the sunlight will cause the skin to produce dead skin cells. These act as a kind of mirror so reflect UV-A UV-B light. Should any UV-A and UV-B light still penetrate, these rays are absorbed by the skin cells melanocytes. These skin cells react by creating pigment. This gives you a healthy complexion. The third reaction is that the pigment (melanin) is 'wrapped' in melanosomes which fold over cell nuclei in the surface skin, like a parasol to absorb the UV-A and UV-B light. This prevents the radiation from entering the cell and causing damage.'
Natural sunscreen
In short, if you gradually expose yourself to a low dose of sunlight and/or UV-A and UV-B light, your body will develop a natural sunscreen. But if you let too much sun shine on your skin at once, then UV light is harmful.
Michael sees another important advantage. 'Regularly enjoying a low dose of UV light, will also lighten your mood. Sun rays cause you to produce endorphins, the happiness hormone. You will have more vitality, feel fitter and happier. My family can confirm that. Since I started showering with sunshine, I start every day with a smile.'
Would you like to know what the UV-A and UV-B light in Sunshower can do for you?
By the way, did you know that besides UV light, Sunshower can also contain infrared light?
Discover the power of infrared light here
