How Much Sun Should You Get a Day?
“Sun exposure is necessary for the body to create vitamin D. Just 15 minutes a day of sun on your face, arms, legs or back without sunscreen can give you enough vitamin D. Vitamin D helps maintain strong bones and muscles and supports your immune system, heart health and mental health. People who have darker skin may need more time in the sun to produce the same amount of vitamin D as someone with lighter skin.
The best time to get vitamin D from the sun is during winter months, when the sun’s UV radiation is weaker. In summer, or if you’re at a high altitude or closer to the equator, you may only need 5-10 minutes of sun on your unprotected skin daily to make enough vitamin D. The time of day also matters. sunlight exposure early in the day is best because that’s when UVB rays are most intense.
You can get too much sun, which raises your risk for skin cancer. Balance is key—some sun is good for you but too much can be dangerous. It’s important to wear sunscreen any time you’ll be spending more than a few minutes in direct sunlight, especially if you have fair skin.”
The Benefits of Sun Exposure
There are many health benefits that come from getting the right amount of sun exposure. Getting enough sun can help improve your vitamin levels, and can also help improve certain health conditions. It is important to get at least 30 minutes of sun exposure a day, and to wear sunscreen if you are going to be in the sun for extended periods of time.
Vitamin production is one of the main benefits of getting enough sun exposure. Vitamin D is produced when your skin is exposed to sunlight, and it helps with calcium absorption, which is important for bone health. A vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, but getting enough sun exposure can help prevent this from happening.
Sun exposure can also help improve certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. In some cases, exposing your skin to sunlight can help reduce inflammation and itching. However, it is important to speak with a doctor before doing this, as too much sun exposure can actually make these conditions worse.
Getting enough sun exposure can also boost your mood and energy levels. This is because sunlight helps your body produce serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and energy levels. If you’re feeling down or sluggish, spending some time in the sun may help give you a boost.
Overall, there are many benefits that come from getting enough sun exposure. However, it is important to balance this with wearing sunscreen and not spending too much time in the sun, as this can lead to skin damage or other health problems
The Risks of Sun Exposure
Exposure to the sun has a number of risks. The most serious of these is skin cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. There are two types of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma. Melanoma is the more serious type of skin cancer, and can be deadly if not caught early and treated properly. Non-melanoma skin cancers are less serious, but can still cause problems if not treated.
Sun exposure can also cause other problems, such as:
• premature aging of the skin
• wrinkles
• sunburn
• eye damage, including cataracts
How to Get the Right Amount of Sun
It is important to get the right amount of sun. Too little sun can lead to vitamin D deficiency, while too much sun can cause skin damage. The best way to get the right amount of sun is to spend time outdoors in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun’s rays are not as strong. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, MD on July 2, 2019