The Positive and Negative Effects of UV Rays on YOU

It is a well known fact, through the World Health Organization's Cancer Research Division, that ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause premature skin aging and skin cancer. This is the premise for the evolution and popularity of sunless tanning technology. But aside from this, do you know that UV rays, given that it is absorbed moderately, also have positive effects on the body? So what exactly are UV rays and how does it positively and negatively affect you?

UV rays generally come from the sun. They have a very high energy level and are invisible to the naked eye as they are electromagnetic radiation that can be found just outside the violet spectrum; hence, the name ultraviolet was coined, which literally means "beyond violet."
UV rays are especially important as our bodies cannot produce Vitamin D without it. Vitamin D makes our bones stronger and protects our bodies from contacting diseases such as Rickets. It aids in the nervous and immune systems' fight against diseases like cancer and diabetes. UV radiation is also used in Light therapy to treat various sicknesses like psoriasis and vitiligo. There are various health benefits of UV rays and it has even been recently proven through valid scientific research that it helps cure people from certain types of sleeping disorders like snoring.

However, because UV rays contain a huge amount of energy in that they have the capacity to change one's molecular structure and damage it fatally; over-exposure would be detrimental to your health. How so? Well, the energy in UV rays is so powerful that they can cause molecules to actually come apart, which can lead to cell deformity through a mutation of the genetic code. This leads to the acceleration of skin aging, the development of cataracts, a suppressed immune system, melanoma, the worst kind of skin cancer, and disfigurement. These side effects of too much exposure to UV rays can lead to other forms of diseases, especially when the immune system has been damaged severely.

Knowing both the positive and negative effects of UV rays on you, there is only but one logical thing to do. Regulate your exposure to UV rays. Make sure that you are not over-exposed to sunlight or any other forms of artificial light that emit UV rays. This means that you need to control your activities. For instance, tanning is a very popular form of beautification for Caucasians. The tendency is to sunbathe regularly or to use tanning beds and lamps to maintain that glorious tan. But you have to keep in mind that too much exposure to UV rays can be very harmful to you and it might even lead to serious skin conditions that will leave you looking disfigured.

In order to prevent skin damage and other diseases, you need to always use sunscreen when you know that you'll be participating in an outdoor activity. Instead of sunbathing or using tanning beds, you may want to just use sunless tanning products that do not involve any form of UV ray. Remember that UV rays are still essential to the normal functioning of your body so you also need to be exposed to it—but not too much!