Regenerative Health with Max Gulhane, MD 59. Skin Cancer, UV Light & All-Cause Mortality | Prof. Richard Weller
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Mar 2, 2024 Dermatologist Prof. Richard Weller discusses how increased UV light is linked to lower mortality rates and highlights the benefits of sunlight in improving cardiovascular and overall health. The conversation challenges sun-phobic narratives, explores skin physiology, skin protection mechanisms, UV exposure patterns, melanoma risks, vitamin D levels, and the non-vitamin D benefits of sunlight on health. They also touch on nitric oxide release from the skin, immune system effects, and mortality outcomes related to sun exposure.
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Skin's Defense Mechanisms Explained
- The skin is a complex organ that protects us by shedding damaged cells and repairing DNA continuously.
- Melanin acts as a natural sunscreen and its amount influences skin cancer risk related to UV exposure.
Melanoma Linked to Sunburn, Not Sunlight
- Melanoma risk links more to sunburn and intermittent UV exposure than total sunlight.
- Different skin cancer types have distinct UV exposure patterns and risks.
Sunlight Benefits Beyond Vitamin D
- More sun exposure correlates with lower all-cause mortality, including cardiovascular and cancer deaths.
- Vitamin D appears more a biomarker of sunlight, as supplementation trials fail to show same benefits.