This summer, an interesting phenomenon was observed. With the intense summer heat, there was a noticeable increase in the number of men using parasols. Previously, the number of men using parasols was very small compared to women. The intense heat had been continuing for the past few years, but there hadn’t been much widespread adoption of parasols by men in their daily lives. However, it seems that there was a latent desire (need) to protect their skin from ultraviolet rays. The reluctance of men to use parasols seemed to stem from specific male customs and culture. There was a tendency for men with pale complexions to feel inferior to those with tanned skin. Sanyo Shokai started selling foldable umbrellas that can be used in both sunny and rainy weather this spring/summer season. As a result, they have achieved sales far exceeding expectations. It’s spreading like an “emergency discharge” of water from a dam that has accumulated a large amount of water.
It can be said that living things, including humans, are winners who have overcome the battle against ultraviolet rays. For organisms that adapted to life on land, the struggle against ultraviolet rays can be considered a history of survival. About 500 million years ago, animals underwent explosive evolution, and various forms of life were born. However, that explosion was only in the sea. It can be said that there were no living things that could withstand the strong ultraviolet rays of the sun. However, around 400 million years ago, living things began to advance onto land. They gradually increased their adaptability to ultraviolet rays and advanced onto land. This battle against ultraviolet rays became the first survival challenge for organisms, including the ancestors of humankind. The solution to protecting oneself from ultraviolet rays was to have black skin that does not allow ultraviolet rays to pass through. The black skin acquired by humankind has been passed down to the current African people. The higher the density of melanin pigment, the darker the skin becomes, protecting it from ultraviolet rays.
Previously, people from Northern Europe would stay for long periods in resorts and enjoy sunbathing. In that context, ultraviolet rays became an unpopular entity. However, there is a saying that history repeats itself. A situation is emerging that the effects of sunlight are being re-evaluated. The substance that is attracting attention here is vitamin D. Vitamin D is attracting attention from anti-aging researchers worldwide as “a type of hormone.” It has been reported that vitamin D intake is effective in preventing and improving mental illnesses, including depression. Vitamin D is produced in the skin through exposure to sunlight. Moderate sun exposure seems to be necessary in every era.
