Over the last several years, we have repeatedly been hearing about all of the dangerous side effects of tanning. The news is always talking about skin cancer and warning us to stay covered up so we don't catch the deadly disease. We are repeatedly warned to keep our skin protected and to stay out of the sun. But, is the sun really that terrible for us? How could something that helps make life possible also be such a danger to us?

The reality is that overexposure to the sun is dangerous to our health and can cause more harm than good. At the same time, the sun has many health benefits. In fact, you do need the sun in order to be a healthy person.

One of the main health benefits of sun exposure is the fact that it helps encourage the skin to produce vitamin D. Many people do not get enough vitamin D in their diets, but spending time outdoors and being exposed to the sun can help compensate for this vitamin deficiency. Strangely enough, some experts maintain that vitamin D deficiency is responsible for more deaths than skin cancer. In fact, one study found that approximately 23,800 people died in 2002 because of lack of vitamin D while 8,800 deaths were linked to squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma. Another study concluded that approximately 50,000 to 63,000 people in the United States experience premature death each year due to insufficient vitamin D.

According to research that took place as recently as 2007, being exposed to the sun during childhood also helps to prevent multiple sclerosis from forming later in life. In addition, ultraviolet radiation has long been used to help with medical issues, such as treating skin conditions. More specifically, ultraviolet radiation is used to treat vitiligo and psoriasis. Sunlight has also been used to help treat acne, but research has now shown that acne can actually worsen in the long run when exposed to the sun.

This is not to say that you should go out and bake yourself in the sun every day without protecting your skin. Just as with anything that is healthy for you, overindulging is never good for you. So, don't hide in fear from the sun and refuse to spend time outdoors. Rather, enjoy your time in the sun and feel free to work toward achieving a beautiful tan - just make certain to tan in moderation and to build your tan slowly so you can enjoy the health benefits of the sun while avoiding the possible downfalls.