It has long been common knowledge that prolonged exposure to the sun is harmful to the skin. Dermatologists always advise wearing high-SPF sunscreen to keep UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the cells. These are said to cause sunburn, premature deterioration, and genetic damage (all of which manifest as photoaging, hyperpigmentation, wrinkle formation, sunburn, sagging, and dryness).

1. Studies Dispel the Stigma
on UV Rays and Prove Its
Cardiovascular Health
Benefits
Just Patios

2. It has long been common knowledge that
prolonged exposure to the sun is harmful to the
skin. Dermatologists always advise wearing high-
SPF sunscreen to keep UVA and UVB rays from
penetrating the cells. These are said to cause
sunburn, premature deterioration, and genetic
damage (all of which manifest as photoaging,
hyperpigmentation, wrinkle formation, sunburn,
sagging, and dryness).
New research suggests, however, that UV rays are
not entirely destructive and may, in fact, be good
for human health.
Recent studies suggest that incidental exposure to
UV rays can help lower blood pressure and reduce
the risks of cardiovascular disease.
One such study was published in the
Journal of the American Heart Association
(JAHA). For three years, researchers
studied the relationship between the
respondents’ blood pressure and sun
exposure. They measured the latter by
getting the recorded UV radiation and
temperature of the respondents’ locations
from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration database. The findings
showed that temperature and UVA and
UVB exposure was inversely proportional
to the participants’ blood pressure records.
According to the medical community, this
relationship is due to sunlight exposure,
which increases nitric oxide levels in the
body.

3. Nitric Oxide and Its Health Benefits
Nitric oxide (NO) is a vasodilator that relaxes
blood vessels and improves blood circulation.
This, in turn, improves overall health as blood
supplies the oxygen and nutrients necessary
for cellular health and function. NO is produced
when the adipose tissue in the skin is exposed
to UVA. Incident exposure to UVA rays (e.g.,
stepping out for a few minutes on midday) can
reportedly increase NO levels in the body.
Nitric Oxide Therapy
The therapeutic use of NO is widely accepted in medicine. The Therapeutic Goods
Administration (TGA) and the Australian Government Department of Health, for one, has
released guidelines for the use of NO therapy in treating pulmonary hypertension in children
and adults. Inhaled NO is proven safe: it may even be administered to preterm infants
facing hypoxic respiratory failure.
The other key research findings on the health benefits of NO are:
Doctors and researchers from the Telethon Kids Institute found links between
Type 2 Diabetes and a low dosage of UV light in experimental mice.
The Australian Nursing & Midwifery Journal featured research studies conducted
at Edinburgh University and Cambridge University that support NO’s role in lowering blood
pressure and maintaining cardiovascular health.

4. Sources:
https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/63295/cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sun-
protection-sport-and-recreation/sun-protection-information-for-sporting-groups/how-
ultraviolet-uv-radiation-causes-skin-cancer/
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.119.013837
http://www.justpatios.com.au/
https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/auspar-nitric-oxide-180115.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5065760/
https://www.slhd.nsw.gov.au/rpa/neonatal/html/docs/nitric_oxide.pdf
https://www.kemh.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/Files/Hospitals/WNHS/For%20health%20pr
ofessionals/Clinical%20guidelines/NEO/WNHS.NEO.NitricOxideTherapyiNO.pdf
https://www.telethonkids.org.au/news--events/news-and-events-nav/2019/impact/let-the-
sun-shine-in/
https://anmj.org.au/sun-exposure-a-double-edged-sword/
Balance Is Crucial
Despite the findings on the health benefits
of sun exposure, it is still unwise to spend
hours under the sun. There is a fine line
between reaping its health benefits and
exposing oneself to one of the leading
causes of skin cancer.
Moderation is crucial. By simply carrying an
umbrella to making long-term health
investments like building a pergola at
home, people can ensure they experience
only the therapeutic benefits and none of
the harmful side-effects of excessive sun
exposure.