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Sun benefits 'outweigh risks'

The benefits of sun exposure could outweigh the risks, scientists have found. A new study has claimed that a pressure-reducing compound released in the blood by ultraviolet (UV) rays can cut the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

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Skin experts warn 'evidence needs more research'

The British Association of Dermatologists has warned the results of a study, which suggests guidelines on safe levels of exposure to the sun may need to be reconsidered, should be treated with caution.

While this is interesting, these preliminary data on just 24 healthy volunteers with one hour's observation could be explained by many factors and variables not related to the sun.

The findings do not confirm sustained blood pressure reduction in the general population. Research in this area is still very much in its infancy. Emerging evidence about possible health benefits of sunlight do not invalidate the indisputable weight of evidence showing the link between excess UV exposure and skin cancer, which is the UK's most common form of cancer.

– Nina Goad, Director for The British Association of Dermatologists

Heart health benefits could 'outweigh cancer risks'

Dr Richard Weller, senior lecturer in dermatology at the University of Edinburgh said that the benefits to heart health of sunlight "will outweigh the risk of skin cancer":

The work we have done provides a mechanism that might account for this and also explains why dietary vitamin D supplements alone will not be able to compensate for lack of sunlight.

We now plan to look at the relative risks of heart disease and skin cancer in people who have received different amounts of sun exposure. If this confirms that sunlight reduces the death rate from all causes, we will need to reconsider our advice on sun exposure.

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Blood pressure 'dropped' after exposure to UV rays

Scientists have found that exposure to sunlight can release a pressure-reducing compound that cuts the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

The blood pressure of 24 volunteers sitting beneath UV lamps for two 20-minute sessions was tested:

  • In the first session volunteers were exposed to the lamps' UV rays and heat
  • In the second session the UV rays were blocked so that only the heat of the lamps affected the skin

Research found that blood pressure dropped significantly for one hour following exposure to UV rays, but no change was recorded after the heat-only sessions.

Study: Benefits of sun exposure could outweigh risks

The benefits of sun exposure could outweigh the risks, scientists have found.

A new study has claimed that a pressure-reducing compound released in the blood by ultraviolet (UV) rays can cut the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

Read: Brits still risking skin cancer, experts warn

Could the benefits of sunshine outweigh the risks? Credit: Nigel French/EMPICS Sport

Research conducted by the University of Edinburgh measured the blood pressure of 24 volunteers sitting beneath UV lamps for two 20-minute sessions.

It said that guidelines on safe levels of exposure to the sun may need to be reconsidered.

Read: Skin cancer statistics

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