The Myths and Facts of Vitamin D and Sun Exposure

Unverified reports claiming that unprotected, intentional sun exposure is necessary for Vitamin D formation are getting quite a bit of media coverage lately.

Yet, dermatologists still advise the public to practice sun protection to prevent skin cancer.

At a recent American Academy of Dermatology's Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month news conference, dermatologist Darrell S. Rigel, M.D., clinical professor, New York University Medical Center in New York City, debunked the myths surrounding Vitamin D and offered advice on getting an adequate dose of this nutrient.

"As a dermatologist who treats the ravages of skin cancer on a daily basis, it is appalling to me that anyone in good conscience could make the claim that intentional sun exposure ? for any length of time ? is beneficial," stated Dr. Rigel. "The fact is, skin cancer is increasing at an alarming rate and scientific research confirms that our best defense is avoiding excessive, unprotected sun exposure."

Dr. Rigel addressed the following myths about vitamin D and sun exposure:

Myth #1 ? Sunscreen blocks Ultraviolet (UV) light. Consequently, UV radiation is prevented from reaching the skin, which leads to an inadequate amount of vitamin D in the body.

Fact ? A 1997 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute of patients with Xeroderma Pigmentosa (a disease that predisposes persons to skin cancer who are exposed to very low levels of ultraviolet radiation), showed that these patients have normal vitamin D levels despite negligible amounts of UV exposure.

Myth #2 ?A considerable amount of UV exposure is necessary to maintain normal levels of vitamin D.

Fact ? Normal vitamin D levels are maintained through a normal diet.

Myth #3 ? Sunscreen does not allow UV radiation to reach the skin, so if people wear sunscreen, their bodies can form vitamin D.

Fact ? Even the best sunscreen cannot block all UV radiation. But the amount that does hit the skin is enough to promote adequate vitamin D formation.

Myth #4 ? Skin cancer is not a serious disease, so sun protection is not important.

Fact ? One American dies every hour from melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

Myth #5 ? Low levels of Vitamin D lead to more cancers and other diseases.

Fact ? "There are no scientific studies that prove this statement," explained Dr. Rigel. "The claim is based on a study that finds that overall cancer rates are higher in the northeast United States, a location with lower sunlight levels than many other places in the country. Those making this claim conclude that since the northeast has lower UV levels, this is the reason why cancer rates are higher in this region. However, several studies prove this theory is false. These include studies that show that cancer rates are low in the northern plain states (areas with the lowest UV levels in the country) and small regional studies (New York state), where cancer rates are highest in areas with industrial pollutants and are not related to sunlight levels."

"When we take a close look at these myths and evaluate the facts, the course of action is clear," said Dr. Rigel. "Until there is science that tells us otherwise, it is imperative that people protect themselves from the sun. Anyone concerned about not getting enough vitamin D should either take a multivitamin or drink a few glasses of vitamin D-fortified milk every day. Given the fact that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has declared UV radiation as a known carcinogen, exposing oneself to it for the sake of vitamin D is not the answer."

The American Academy of Dermatology advises everyone to engage in the following sun protective practices:

  • avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest.

  • seek shade whenever possible.

  • wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15.

  • reapply sunscreen every two hours.

  • wear sun-protective clothing.

About The Author

Diana Clarke is a teacher and the founder and editor of The Sun and Your Skin at yourskinandsun.com.

yourskinandsun.com

non-toxic cleaning company Winnetka ..
In The News:

Researchers are now showing us that old smartphones as data centers could be the next big thing in sustainable tech.
Scientists have created micro-robots for sinus infection treatment that can enter the nasal cavity, eliminate bacteria directly at the source, and exit without harming surrounding tissue.
Let's examine how your data is collected in everyday life, who is buying and selling it, what happens to it afterward, and, most importantly, what you can do to protect yourself.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield in the U.K. developed small robots called "Pipebots" that can travel inside water pipes to find and potentially repair leaks, all without any excavation.
A groundbreaking new study has uncovered disturbing AI blackmail behavior that many people are unaware of yet.
Four teams of autonomous humanoid robots competed in China's first AI soccer tournament, demonstrating advanced capabilities in ball detection and independent decision-making.
The ID. Buzz autonomous van features self-driving technology with 13 cameras, nine LiDAR units and five radars after Volkswagen partnered with Hamburg and Uber for 2026 deployments.
Social Security phishing scams use urgency and impersonation to steal personal data. Learn how to spot fake SSA emails and implement 10 protective measures.
French startup Pazzi Robotics created an AI-powered pizza robot that made pies in under five minutes without human help, but it closed in 2022 despite patents and expert partnerships.
Reclaim your time from big tech with effective screen time reduction strategies for iPhone and Android, featuring steps to limit app usage and create phone-free zones.
Amazon Prime Day shoppers face threats from 120,000-plus scam websites as cybercriminals prepare phishing traps and malware ahead of the July sales event.
Fox News' AI Newsletter brings you the latest on this rapidly evolving technology.
The AEON humanoid robot tackles labor challenges with Nvidia AI, Microsoft Azure cloud and advanced spatial awareness, working alongside industry leaders Schaeffler and Pilatus.
Google's Ask Photos feature brings AI-powered searches to your photo library, letting you find memories with natural language queries while maintaining privacy controls.
The return of blue book exams emerges as universities fight widespread AI academic dishonesty and educators debate whether to ban AI tools or teach responsible usage.
Signs your phone might be hacked include strange behavior, unauthorized texts, battery drain and pop-ups, while protection involves updating software and avoiding public Wi-Fi.
Tokyo startup H2L has launched Capsule Interface technology enabling full-body robot control with muscle sensors, offering immersive remote operation.
The A.I. industry seems set for growing pains as Big Tech companies scramble for solutions to the medium's unprecedented strain on the power grid.
Fourth of July fireworks cause a 60% spike in lost pets, but GPS trackers and AI photo-matching services like Love Lost can help reunite missing dogs with their families.
Protect yourself from jugging, the rising crime by which thieves monitor ATM users and follow them to steal cash, with six practical safety tips to stay alert and secure.
U.S. airlines like Delta, American and United are selling your domestic flight records to government agencies through the little-known Travel Intelligence Program.
Autonomous robots from Uber Eats are rolling out across U.S. cities, featuring LIDAR sensors, secure compartments and all-weather operation for food and grocery delivery.
Costco has expanded into EV infrastructure with new ultra-fast charging stations that can charge most electric vehicles to 80% in 20-60 minutes while shoppers browse the warehouse.
The new Gemini Robotics On-Device AI allows robots to perform complex tasks without internet, offering enhanced privacy, reliability and adaptability for real-world use.
Protect yourself from Amazon phishing scams by spotting red flags like suspicious sender addresses and spelling errors while using Amazon's Message Center to verify communications.

Know Your Bodybuilding Supplement - ZMA

ZMA is a scientifically designed anabolic mineral formula containing zinc... Read More

Vitamin A and C: How They Affect The Skin

Benefits of using Vitamin A products:Retinol is pure and active... Read More

Why Do Liquid Form Nutritional Supplements Have Much Greater Bodily Absorption Than Pills?

Did you know that when you take vitamins and minerals... Read More

Take Back Your Life

It seems today that for every mood swing, inconvenient behavior,... Read More

Probiotics and Friendly Flora

You Need Probiotics For Better Digestion and Overall HealthInside your... Read More

The Importance of Taking a Multivitamin Supplement

It's absolutely crucial that your body gets the nutrients it... Read More

Discount Supplement

Discount Supplement ? what is it?Discount supplement is a term... Read More

Safer And More Effective Than Botox? Shocking Results

Are the new Argireline Wrinkle Relaxing Creams as effective as... Read More

Body Building Supplementation

Body Building Supplement ? what is it?The term "body building... Read More

ImmunPlex: Highest Quality Natural Whey

ImmunPlex? is an undenatured whey protein isolate that contains many... Read More

Beta-Glucan Information

Beta-Glucan is an extremely potent, immune activating substance taken from... Read More

Fatigue After WLS: Iron Deficiency May Be the Cause

I've been feeling a tired and slow lately. Just don't... Read More

A Look at Whey Protein Powder

There are so many different whey protein powder products on... Read More

Omega 3s... Fish Oil, and DHA...

There is no doubt that Omega 3's can not only... Read More

Nitric Oxide Supplement

Nitric oxide supplement has many benefits and there are many... Read More

The Effectiveness of Vitamin C

We all know that vitamin C is one of the... Read More

Using Natural Remedies For Constipation

There are two basic types of constipation - organic and... Read More

Know Your Bodybuilding Supplement - NO Nitric Oxide

Nitric oxide is a free form gas produced by the... Read More

Amino Acids For Height Growth ? Boosting Your Growth Hormones

Many people take amino acids for height growth these days.... Read More

Puranol SL - New Weight Loss Product Extraordinaire - Maybe

Before you read the rest of this article I want... Read More

The Beneficial Effects Of Vitamins On Your Digestive System

As much as we would like to deny it, the... Read More

Glyconutrients Will Be Revolutionary In Future Medicine - A Health Supplement (Part Two)

PART TWOFor those of you that read my previous article... Read More

Garlic Can Kill Superbug - A Health Supplement

The Superbug MRSA which is becoming more common in Hospitals,... Read More

How Selling Vitamins can Bring you Financial Freedom

Most people are becoming more health conscious. Many of the... Read More

Acid Amino Arginine ? An Acid With Many Benefits

When you buy acid amino arginine you can look forward... Read More

experienced cleaning professionals Glencoe ..