The sun has many effects on health ranging from beneficial to extremely harmful. The sun gives out UV rays, which can be beneficial to the human body in small amounts, but harmful in larger amounts. Therefore one must take precautions while going out in the sun and protect oneself from the harmful effects and UV rays of the sun.

Sun exposure such as sunbathing can have several positive benefits when done in moderation. It relaxes a person’s mood and relieves depression. It is also good for people with conditions such as multiple sclerosis and depression, and skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema. Sunlight is also a source of vitamin D, deficiency of which causes rickets and bone disease.

Excess exposure to sun can have several bad effects. It can cause sunburn, especially in pale skinned individuals. Prolonged exposure to the sun may cause skin cancer such as malignant melanoma and carcinoma and other negative effects such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, cataracts, snow blindness and sunburn. Too much sun exposure can also cause the skin to wrinkle and look aged.

Application of broad-spectrum sunscreen  with a sun protection factor of 15+ is recommended by the world health organization to protect the skin from the sun, as is avoiding the mid-day sun (Between 10 a.m. And 2 p.m.) when the sun is most intense. Using moisturizers to nourish the skin, taking frequent breaks in shade, drinking lots of water or other liquids, wearing widebrimmed hats, loose-fitting apparel and UV-protective sunglasses will also help protect against the sun’s harmful effects.