The sun — it allows us to tell the time, gives us heat and light, and is the very reason our home planet is able to sustain human life. The sun is our friend, not our foe. The UVB rays the sun emits allows our bodies to create that sweet, sweet vitamin D that helps us absorb calcium and makes our bones strong. However, overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause skin damage, cataracts, and cancer. This shouldn’t make you afraid of the sun, but more intentional with the time you spend basking in its rays.
Those lacking sun exposure and vitamin D intake are more susceptible to illnesses like multiple sclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and other infectious diseases. While too much exposure to UV rays is a leading cause of malignant melanoma, continued sun exposure was found to increase the survival rates of those with early-stage melanoma. Those living in higher latitudes, like Canadians, must be especially vigilant to incorporate enough healthy sun exposure into their day, and take vitamin D supplements to make up for what’s lacking. (Higher latitudes result in cooler temperatures meaning an increase in clothing and seeking shelter which means you may not get enough sunlight.) The non-white population must take particular care in maintaining their vitamin D levels, as skin pigmentation can reduce vitamin D production by over 90 per cent.
Some dermatologists even feel that there is a lack of evidence in the correlation between sun exposure and melanoma, like Dr. A. Bernard Ackerman. Ackerman recommends limiting sun exposure and preventing sunburns more to prevent premature aging in the skin rather than reducing your chances of cancer. As for COVID-19, one study has shown that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, however this did not increase their risk of mortality. But, conflictingly, another study identified a crude relationship between vitamin D levels and mortality from COVID-19.
While the “right” amount of vitamin D consumption is a point of contention amongst scientists, many experts have made a general recommendation that we consume 4,000 IU vitamin D3 without sun exposure, or 2,000 IU vitamin D3 with 12-15 minutes of midday sun exposure. Experts also recommend brief, repeated intervals of sun exposure as opposed to long stretches of time in the sun.
Sunscreen is necessary if you live somewhere where the UV Index is three or higher (this information can be found online for your area on sites like the Weather Network). Choose a sunscreen of at least SPF 15, or even SPF 30 if you are fair-skinned. Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen, as this protects against UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to apply often enough throughout the day, and to use an appropriate amount each time. Additionally, there are arguments over whether or not wearing sunscreen voids vitamin D absorption; however, very few people actually put on enough sunscreen to block all UVB rays (and one study concluded that sunscreen used in every-day life does not decrease vitamin D levels). After your 15 minutes of recommended daily sun exposure, seek shade, put on a wide brimmed hat, and wear more clothing that covers your skin.
This summer, don’t fear the sun, but don’t bathe in its light excessively, either. Like everything in life, use it in moderation.
Images: Jake Givens / Unsplash
Andrea Sadowski is working towards her BA in Global Development Studies, with a minor in anthropology and Mennonite studies. When she's not sitting in front of her computer, Andrea enjoys climbing mountains, sleeping outside, cooking delicious plant-based food, talking to animals, and dismantling the patriarchy.
