The Pros and Cons of Sunshine

The Pros and Cons of Sunshine

Ahhh…it’s finally warm enough to shed some layers and head outdoors again. Scientific researchers have told us that sunshine is good for us and that sunshine is bad for us. So what’s a person to do—seek after the sun, or run and hide from it?

As with most things in life, moderation is the way to go when it comes to sun exposure. The “pro” of sun exposure is that it is the natural way our body creates vitamin D—which is touted for its bone strengthening, immune system fortifying properties. In order to produce your daily vitamin D requirement you need to spend 20 minutes in the sun with both arms and legs exposed. Not surprisingly, experts have blamed the vitamin D deficit epidemic on the heavy use of sun block.

Now, spending more than 30-60 minutes in the sun without sun block leads to the “con” of sun exposure—skin cancer. Even sunburns work against the health of our bodies because of the free radical particles a burn produces. These free radicals speed the aging process in our bodies, skin included.

My advice*: If you are of fair to medium complexion, limit your unadulterated sun exposure to 20-30 minutes per day. For darker, rarely-burn complexions, apply sun block after 30-60 minutes. If you have been told my your doctor that you have precancerous skin lesions, or if you have a family history of melanoma, use sun block and get your vitamin D from a less sunny source.

Enjoy “D” outdoors but remember to sun bathe responsibly!

*Please note I am a researcher, not a dermatologist.