Can My Health Be Affected By a Lack of Sun Exposure?

Right now, there has never been more of an awareness of skin protection and sun safety. Although our bodies are greatly affected by the sun’s powerful UV rays, they are not always affected in a negative way. You see, Vitamin D, as well as various other health and wellness benefits, can be derived from natural sun exposure; so, without enough sun, our bodies can experience varying negative effects.

Continue reading to learn how your body and health might react when kept out of the sun for too long, and what you can do to ensure you get enough Vitamin D during the colder, cloudier seasons of the year.

Indianapolis Tanning Salon
Indianapolis Tanning Salon 317-257-8262

Vitamin D

Everyone knows that Vitamin D is good for you. But do you know why? Vitamin D is a vital because it serves various other biological effects, such as increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. It keeps our bones strong and our internal systems healthy. Vitamin D is called the “sunshine vitamin” for a reason. UV-B from sunlight is the most effective and naturally-occurring source for Vitamin D. In fact, since the beginning of mankind, our bodies have developed the ability to produce its own Vitamin D, naturally because of our sun exposure throughout time.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Without an adequate intake of Vitamin D, your body can suffer both physically and mentally. Not only can it promote bone softening and weakness, it can cause serious illness in children, such as rickets. Aside from weakening bones, Vitamin D deficiency can also potentially lead to foot deformities, skin issues, weight gain, and cognitive issues. It has even been linked to certain kinds of cancer. Since serotonin levels drop drastically as a result of insufficient Vitamin D intake, depression and other mental and emotional illnesses are also possible. Overall, a lack of this essential vitamin can cause problems with health, bodily functions, mood, energy, and even sleep.

Additional Vitamin D Options

The sun is the best and most guaranteed natural source for Vitamin D production and sufficiency. However, for those that cannot be exposed to the sun for health concerns, there are alternative sources that can provide the same benefits. Many health stores offer Vitamin D supplements that come in the form of pills, capsules, powders, drinks, gummies, and more. Although not natural, these alternatives are easily accessible and affordable. Talk to your doctor before mixing any OTC dietary supplements with current medications or health conditions. During cloudier seasons, take advantage of sunless tanning technology, such as indoor tanning, which can be just as safe as natural sunlight so long as it is practiced responsibly.

Indoor Tanning is a Convenient and Safe Way to Get Your Vitamin D

Call Broad Ripple Tans at 317-257-8262 you are looking for in Indianapolis tanning salon that has everything you need to achieve a beautiful natural looking glow affordable price. We offer a wide range of tanning products, services, and packages, including tanning discounts and selection of tanning beds. We also specialize in airbrush spray tanning services! Call 317-257-8262 to request a free estimate, today!

How Does Skin Produce Vitamin D?

Now that summer is over and winter is here, we might all be experiencing some Vitamin D deficiency. This can be a bit concerning since Vitamin D is an important factor in preventative human health. Combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet, Vitamin D can provide health benefits in a natural way to decrease susceptibility to certain health threats like cancer, heart disease, and more. Also called the “sunshine vitamin”, UV-B from sunlight is the most effective and naturally-occurring source for Vitamin D. For these reasons, we can be grateful that our bodies produce it naturally.

Continue reading to learn the basic process of Vitamin D production in the skin, as well as, alternative sources for Vitamin D.

Indianapolis Tanning Salon 317-257-8262
Indianapolis Tanning Salon 317-257-8262

Vitamin D Production in Skin

Once your skin is exposed to sunlight, which contains ultra violet-B rays, it takes what it needs and de-metabolizes the rest. Too much Vitamin D can cause the body to over-process calcium, another vital mineral for human health. This is why sunless tanning should be done safely and responsibly.

Sunlight-produced Vitamin D protects against this potential danger, since the skin naturally defends itself by de-metabolizing any excess UVB.  Generally, 10-20 minutes in the sun each day is all you need! This of course depends on the strength of the sunrays and the darkness of your skin. Darker skin and weaker sunrays may require longer sun exposure for optimal production levels.

Vitamin D Alternatives

The sun is the best and most guaranteed natural source for Vitamin D production and sufficiency. However, for those that cannot be exposed to the sun for health concerns, there are alternative sources that can provide the same benefits. Many health stores offer Vitamin D supplements that come in the form of pills, capsules, powders, drinks, gummies, and more. Although not natural, these alternatives are easily accessible and affordable. Talk to your doctor before mixing any OTC dietary supplements with current medications or health conditions.

Where to Get Quality Tanning in Indianapolis

Call Broad Ripple Tans at 317-257-8262 to hear our monthly tanning bed specials! We are a luxury tanning salon located in Indianapolis, just around the corner from Broad Ripple Village. We offer a wide range of tanning services, as well as, quality tanning products and beds. Call 317-257-8262 and ask about our tanning salon services, prices, and availability, today.