I’m often asked by many people if they truly need to use a sunscreen.  This question is usually prefaced with “My skin never burns” or “I’m working on improving my vitamin D levels”. The truth is, regardless of how dark you are, everyone can benefit from a good sunscreen when spending extensive time in the sun.  I recommend non-chemical sunscreens such as “physical” blockers titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide and not chemical sunscreens.  Chemical sunscreens are more likely to cause allergic reactions or irritate the skin. Non-chemical sunscreens (physical sunscreens) form a physical barrier from the sun and are less likely to cause skin reactions.

While sun protection is important, we also know that Vitamin D (the sunshine vitamin) is produced on the skin by sunlight.  It is then absorbed and circulated in the blood stream.  Vitamin D is a powerful anti-inflammatory that prevents skin aging.

I advise my patients to get moderate amounts of sun exposure, unprotected by clothing or sunscreens, on a regular basis as this is the most effective way of getting adequate levels of Vitamin D.  This does not mean sitting in the sun until the skin shows signs of redness.  We can slowly increase our exposure as the protective melanin in the skin increases with repeated exposure. Each person is different, so use caution and don’t over do it.  The goal is not to get a suntan or bake in the sun.

You should be out in the sun for at least 15 minutes each day for a brisk walk or enjoying other activities, but don’t bake in the sun.

How do you protect your skin from the sun?