Optimal vitamin D levels can reduce the risk of melanoma and help protect against other cancers. Yet interestingly, the one vitamin the sun helps supply can actually protect against skin cancer. Some people fear sunlight because of its potential cancer risk.

The Sunshine Vitamin You’re Probably Deficient Inīasking in the sun feels good, but it also allows your body to make vitamin D. That’s because when we avoid sun exposure, we often become deficient in the sunshine vitamin – vitamin D – an important key to health and vitality. Staying out of the sun or over-relying on sunblock can make us depressed or anxious and contribute to numerous problems. The same situation creates wrinkles on your face when you have been exposed to too much sunlight over the years.Īt the same time, we were meant to enjoy sunlight. Think of oxidation as the rusting of a car or a sliced apple turning brown. Half of Americans who live to 65 will be diagnosed at least once with rarely fatal forms of skin cancer called basal and squamous cell carcinomas, both linked to sun exposure.Ĭancer aside, too much sunlight can create oxidative stress or oxidation. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), more than two million Americans develop skin cancer each year. I can understand why people would fear sun exposure. The key is not overexposure or avoiding exposure altogether, but to bask in the sun’s rays for a few minutes at a time. Yet like most things, sun safety involves finding balance. Others fearfully avoid the sun, covering their entire bodies in protective clothing and adamantly avoiding daytime outdoor activities.

Some bask for hours by the swimming pool, slathering on high level sun protective factor (SPF) sunscreen they believe will protect them against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. I see patients who take drastic extremes. Sun exposure is a hot topic (no pun intended!) these days. Hanging out on a beach, swimming at a lake, or simply playing outside will likely be on your itinerary. If you’re like most Americans, you probably have a vacation scheduled for this summer.