Mailbag! What’s the RIGHT Amount of Sunshine?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 1, 2023
“How can I get vitamin D from the sun without raising my risk of skin cancer?”
– Rose from Rochester, NY
Hi Rose,
Far too many doctors insist that we must stay out of the sun to avoid skin cancer.
That’s TERRIBLE advice. It ignores the fact that sun exposure is VITAL for optimal health.
Sunlight enables your body to make vitamin D—which regulates your immune system. Plus, sun exposure supports bone health, lowers blood pressure, heals skin issues, improves mental health, REDUCES cancer risk, and more.
The key is to get the RIGHT amount of sunshine instead.
How? Let’s take a closer look.
The most common advice you see is that you get all the vitamin D you need from 15 minutes of sun exposure. If you ask me, that’s bunk.
You see, how much you need depends on your skin tone, your location, and the time of year. That means it’s different for everyone and a shifting number.
Your general goal is to be outside in the sun for 15 to 60 minutes on most days of the week WITHOUT burning. While sunshine is good for your skin, repeated burning raises your risk for skin cancer.
And with the extreme temperatures that many parts of the country are experiencing this summer, remember to practice heat safety. Stay hydrated, and don’t overdo it!
I suggest downloading an app like “dminder” for your smartphone. You personalize the app with details like your location, skin tone, and age, and it will tell you the optimal time to be outside and for how long to meet your vitamin D needs.
Following are a few more sun-safety suggestions…
Dr. Scott’s Sun Survival Tips
- Go outside in the morning or evening, not in the middle of the day.
- Use sun-blocking strategies: a tent, umbrella, or sun-blocking clothing are great options.
- Don’t ever burn. A light tan is great for everyone, but don’t stay outside long enough to burn.
- Choose a natural mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens use zinc or magnesium to block the rays. They do tend to look white on the skin, but when sunscreen is needed, they’re the best way to avoid burns without exposing yourself to cancer-linked chemicals.
Don’t avoid the sun (and its priceless gift of vitamin D). Embrace it WISELY.
P.S. Just because the sun produces an essential nutrient doesn’t mean you can’t OVERDO it. So what’s the difference between too much and just enough? CLICK HERE for the scoop.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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