How Sun Exposure Can Be Good For You

Key Points:

• Rowan Jacobsen's new book challenges prevailing views on sunlight, presenting evidence that moderate daily sun exposure without sunscreen can lower mortality and improve longevity by producing Vitamin D and lowering blood pressure.
• The rise in skin cancer since the 20th century correlates more with increased indoor lifestyles and intermittent intense sun exposure rather than consistent sun exposure or sunscreen use, as farmers with chronic sun exposure have lower melanoma rates.
• Early sunscreens blocked UVB but not UVA rays, which generate free radicals linked to skin cancer; modern broad-spectrum sunscreens address this, and while sunscreen chemicals are absorbed more than previously thought, no harm has been proven.
• Tanning beds, which emit mostly UVA rays, are linked to melanoma and are considered harmful due to their unnatural light spectrum compared to natural sunlight.
• Sunlight benefits vary by individual factors like skin type and geography; moderate exposure to sunlight, especially to maintain adequate Vitamin D levels, is recommended, while fair-skinned people with many moles should be more cautious. Infrared light from sunlight also offers health benefits, including mitochondrial support and inflammation reduction.