Arnold Klein, MD Brings to “Light” Sunlight Deprivation, but Still Don’t Forget Your Sunblock!

“I’m gonna soak up the sun
Gonna tell everyone
To lighten up (I’m gonna tell ’em that)
I’ve got no one to blame
For every time I feel lame
I’m looking up o I’m gonna soak up the sun”

                                              Sheryl Crow

In a recent Facebook post by Beverly Hills dermatologist Arnold Klein, MD, “here is a very common problem known as sunlight deprivation. Most people make the mistake in thinking that they can only suffer from sunlight deprivation during the winter months. The truth is that a person can suffer from lack of sunlight throughout the year. Sunlight deprivation can cause incredibly detrimental symptoms to the skin, mind and body.”

 I agree that sometimes we go a little too far in our concerns about our health or lack thereof.  Below is the rest of Dr. Klein’s comments (he may be a bit biased by his gorgeous sunshine laden Newport Beach home.  Perhaps another Sheryl Crow lyric from the same song quoted is appropriate here,“It’s not having what you want
It’s wanting what you’ve got!”

Depression Caused by Lack of Sunlight

Although you may not realize it, those moody behaviours you tend to exhibit may be the cause of lack of sunlight. If you feel especially down and out during the winter months, then not enough sun exposure is to blame. When people don’t get enough sunlight, their brains stop producing serotonin, which can ultimately lead to severe depressive behaviour. Because it is chemical, there is nothing you can do to avoid it.

Vitamin D sunlight– Fortunately, there is a way to fix it. Getting regular amounts of sunlight helps the body to produce vitamin D. Taking a multi-vitamin supplement along with extra vitamin D is one of the best ways to minimize the negative effects of lack of sunlight.

Summer and Spring VS Autumn and Winter

In order to get an accurate idea of how sunlight impacts your behaviour, you should observe your mood and behaviour during the summer and the spring and again in the fall and winter. It is possible that you have already taken note of the fact you feel better and more energetic as spring and summer approach. Many people think it is because the weather is warming up, but there is a more specific reason as to why people feel better in the warmer months of spring and summer as opposed to the dimmer darker months of the fall and winter. During the winter you are more likely to feel as though you aren’t getting enough sleep which then causes a decrease in the amount of energy you have.

The real reason people feel down during the winter is because it is so dark and dreary. This a direct response to a decrease in the amount of sunlight you are getting, it is causing a death of the brains neurons. When you feel down, you don’t feel like doing anything. This can then make you feel irritable, fatigued, scattered and moody. The medical term that is used for the winter blues is seasonal affective disorder or SAD.

Sunlight and Your Appearance

It’s not considered very healthy for anyone to spend long periods out in the sunlight. Too much sun can cause the skin to dry up, break out, wrinkle, and become irritated and red. However, just enough sunlight can provide the skin with a beautiful glow, help to heal acne, and help to smooth out dry or cracked skin.

Sunlight Deprivation and Energy Levels

As mentioned earlier the lack of sunlight can suck out energy levels causing feelings of depression. When a person is suffering from depression they tend to feel bad all the time. With such a negative emotional state, the mind is altered, it become dark and makes them not want to do anything. Instead they stay in the house and lay around on the couch all day. Depression can make people feel as though they are burdened with dark and heavy emotions, have racing thoughts which can create stress… that stress then sucks what little energy they have out. The body can only take so much, this is why it is important to get plenty of sunlight so that you don’t feel depressed.”

I don’t know about you, but after reading that, I’ll be hanging out the old “GONE TANNING” sign a little more often, but in moderation, with a good hat, protective sunglasses, and some sunblock.  Thanks for all of your contributions to beauty, Dr. Klein!  Enjoy your summer, the beauty of life, and be well!

Dr. Michael Persky and Dr. Sarmela Sunder are located in Encino, California and Beverly Hills, California (The Lasky Clinic) but service all of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Including, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills and more. Please subscribe to our blog by clicking the link above, right. Thank you!