Sunlight affects our lives in several ways. It stimulates the production of vitamin D and influences our circadian rhythm and wellbeing. At the same time, excessive exposure to UV radiation can damage the skin and increase the long-term risk of skin cancer.
To mark five years of Future Lighting, we look back at a topic that attracted significant attention during a previous edition: sunlight and health.
The medical science behind sunlight and health
Sunlight affects the human body in several ways. One of its best-known effects is the production of vitamin D. UV-B radiation triggers a process in the skin that produces vitamin D, which is then further activated in the liver and kidneys. This vitamin plays an important role in maintaining vitality.
In addition, the skin contains chromophores that absorb light and transmit biological signals. As a result, sunlight influences not only the skin itself, but also broader processes in the body, such as our biological clock and a range of cellular processes. This broad influence is precisely what makes sunlight a relevant subject within medical science.
Risks of sun exposure
The benefits of sunlight for our wellbeing
Sunlight also affects our mental wellbeing. It contributes to processes associated with mood and resilience, and many people experience more energy and a better mood when they regularly see daylight and sunlight. The role of sunlight in supporting the immune system is also receiving increasing attention within medical science.
Particularly in North-West Europe, where people spend relatively much of their time indoors and the sun’s strength is limited for a large part of the year, there is growing attention to whether a lack of sunlight may also pose health risks. This shifts the discussion from protection alone to a broader conversation about balance.
Five years of Future Lighting