The Sun and the Skin: Friend or Foe?

The sun is the source of life and warmth, but at the same time it can cause serious damage to our skin if we do not treat it with caution. It gives us many benefits, but it also has a dark side.

In this article, we look at the benefits and harms of the sun for the skin, how to assess the damage, and the importance of sunscreen and how to use it correctly.

Is the sun our skin's friend? (The benefits)

1. Producing vitamin D The most important benefit of the sun is stimulating the body to produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, strengthening immunity and improving mood. The sun is its main natural source.

2. Improving mood Moderate sun exposure increases the release of serotonin, which improves mood. It can also help treat some skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema, provided it is under medical supervision.

When does the sun become an enemy?

1. Sunburn Excessive exposure leads to burns ranging from mild redness to painful blisters. These burns increase the risk of future damage.

2. Premature ageing Constant sun exposure causes early wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots such as melasma and freckles, and loss of skin elasticity.

3. Skin cancer The most serious damage is skin cancer in its various types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma (the most dangerous). Cumulative sun exposure increases the likelihood of developing it.

How do we assess sun damage?

• The degree of the burns: is there only redness, or blisters?
• Colour changes: new freckles, sun spots or melasma.
• Texture changes: roughness, sagging or early wrinkles, with dilated blood vessels.
• New skin growths: any mole that changes shape or colour, a rough patch (actinic keratosis), or a sore that does not heal are all signs that call for a medical examination.

Protecting the skin from the sun

1. Using sunscreen

• Choose a broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB) sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Apply enough (two tablespoons for the body, a teaspoon for the face and neck).
• Apply it 15–30 minutes before exposure.
• Reapply every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.

2. Checking the daily UV level

• 0–2: low risk; basic protection is enough.
• 3–5: moderate risk; use sunscreen and seek shade.
• 6–10: high risk; reduce exposure, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• 11+: extreme risk; avoid exposure as much as possible.

In summary:

The sun gives us benefits and exposes us to risks at the same time. The key is balance and prevention. Protect your skin by using sunscreen regularly, keep an eye on the UV index, and remember that prevention is better than cure.

Dermatology and aesthetics services at Almahmoud Medical Group