Our Need for Sensible Sun Exposure

Most people should get outside for ‘sensible’ sun exposure at least a few times a week. ?? After all, we evolved to depend on the sun. The sun helps our living skin cells to synthesize vitamin D from cholesterol. Vitamin D is a hormone really, and we have receptors for it all over our body. This includes, of special consideration today, our immune system, with studies showing adequate levels of Vitamin D correlating with lower incidence of respiratory infections, including COVID-19. And, that is just one of many health necessities of being outside regularly.

But, a word of caution for those of us living in high latitudes...we tend to cover up all winter and our skin needs time to adjust to greater sun exposure to protect us from harm. That’s why sensible sun exposure over time is helpful. We cannot just suddenly go outside naked on a summer day and expect to be protected if we hadn’t allowed our skin to darken safely over time. Thus, some time outside in the sun daily or a few times a week throughout spring can help develop that naturally occurring sun protection in the skin through Melanin. Because, as necessary as the sun is for our health and wellness, too much too suddenly can hurt.

Additionally, at higher latitudes, the angle of the sun at certain times of the year may prevent ultraviolet rays from passing through Earth's atmosphere, preventing adequate development of Vitamin D in our skin. There are places, such as Massachusetts where it has been studied, that no Vitamin D can be made in the skin from sunlight in winter months, and may range from October through March. Because Vitamin D is so essential for the human body, it is recommended to get Vitamin D levels checked and to take a safe and effective supplement, if needed.

Many years past of human history has included much more time outside with much more nakedness than many of us are used to in modern day. Because of those years of human experience, we have evolved to depend on the sun. So, in any way possible, I hope you’ll enjoy some time outside amongst the nature that we are all part of. 

-I love to learn about and share ideas for holistic health and wellness. The ideas shared here are summarized from findings of researchers who focus on studying Vitamin D. Of significant contribution is Doctor Michael Hollick from Boston University. I refrain from sharing specific numerical values of recommended Vitamin D levels. Though, we have a solid idea from research, much is still being looked at. Additionally, I have taken care to add word of caution and consideration for safety. With that, I share this message on the importance of Vitamin D, and thus our need for sensible sun exposure, as part of promoting holistic health and wellness in a time when we all need it most. I also enjoy learning from research and have written about sleep and nutrition with whole, real foods.