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?
Strengthening the immune system
A global collaborative study, comprising 25 studies with a total of 11,000 participants, has shown that a daily low dose of vitamin D helps protect the body against acute respiratory infections caused by viruses. Without sufficient vitamin D, the body can react violently to the arrival of a virus. To protect us, the immune system suppresses the virus and simultaneously triggers an intense inflammatory response. During this response, more and more immune cells are triggered to go to the site of inflammation, causing the immune system to overreact and attack the body itself. In her research, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Beata Gruber-Bzura establishes a clear link between vitamin D and our immune system.
Fewer hours of sunshine, more autoimmune diseases
The article New light on vitamin D in the Dutch Journal of Medicine also shows that a number of autoimmune diseases are more common at higher latitudes, the areas of the earth where there are fewer hours of sunshine. ‘Epidemiological and case-control studies show that good vitamin D status reduces the risk of various autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes mellitus, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus,’ according to the authors.
Vitamin D helps your immune system
It's good to know that we can support our immune system. When vitamin D levels are adequate, the immune system works more efficiently and suppresses both viruses and the associated inflammatory processes. Internationally and nationally, the optimal vitamin D status is being critically examined. The Health Council currently recommends a general lower limit of 30 nmol/l for 25-hydroxyvitamin D and a lower limit of 50 nmol/l for women ≥ 50 years and men ≥ 70 years.
Dutch laboratories generally maintain 50 nmol/l 25-hydroxyvitamin D as the minimum for all seasons and ages, in accordance with European policy. In short, by combating vitamin D deficiency, you can protect yourself against respiratory infections, flu and colds and improve your immune system.
In this article, we give you practical tips on how to maintain your vitamin D levels. The Sunshower Deluxe and the Combi are equipped with low-dose UV light. Both models can give your immune system a boost.
Would you like to know which Sunshower is best for you?
