When your skin is exposed to sunlight, it responds with immediate protection

Excellent reception

A doctor once advised me to put on sunscreen every time I go outside.

Yikes — talk about overkill!

Even though that was years ago (before it was widely understood how important sunlight exposure is in producing vitamin D) I had a strong suspicion that this fear-the-sun recommendation was way over the top.

Obviously, I’m glad I ignored that doctor’s advice — partly because of the vitamin D issue, and partly because a surprising new study reveals that protection from harmful UV radiation has been there all along.

Good day sunshine

Your skin contains special cells that produce melanin to protect against UVB radiation. Melanin is a pigment that helps prevent DNA damage and causes your skin to tan. But until very recently, nobody knew that those special skin cells also contain light-sensitive receptors.

Every time you step into the sunlight, millions of those receptors immediately prompt the cells to begin producing melanin.

This remarkable process was just recently discovered by Brown University biologists.

Less remarkable is the Brown team’s recommendation that people should not stop using sunscreen.

I know they’re being cautious, but the fact is they simply don’t know if a layer of sunscreen might actually subvert this natural protection they just discovered. In fact, I would think there’s a very good chance it would!

And there are two more very worrisome problems with sunscreen…

1) When it’s applied before sun exposure, vitamin D production may be impeded

2) Some sunscreens contain a synthetic vitamin A derivative that may actually increase the risk of skin cancer growth

The Brown discovery actually reinforces HSI recommendations for sun safety.

Go ahead — expose yourself…

A few minutes of full, unprotected exposure to sunlight prompts the skin to produce vitamin D. Not only is this the best way to boost your D levels, but as the Brown study shows, your skin protects itself through this brief period of exposure.

Then cover up…

Extended exposure — long enough to begin a sunburn — should always be avoided. So if you’re going to be outside for awhile, the best way to avoid long periods of exposure is to wear a hat and clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible.

Use sunscreen sparingly, only as a backup…

If you spend a day at the beach with your kids or grandkids, it’s going to be hard to keep them fully clothed. In that case, the sunscreen you choose should be the least harmful available.

Every year, the Environmental Working Group (an independent non-profit) revises its ratings on the safety of sunscreen, sunblock, and moisturizing products. In a section of the EWG website (ewg.org) called “EWG’s Skin Deep,” you’ll find dozens of product ratings that will help you choose a sunscreen with the highest protection and the least amount of unnecessary chemicals.

Sources: 
“UVA Phototransduction Drives Early Melanin Synthesis in Human Melanocytes” Current Biology, Vol. 21, No. 22, 11/3/11, cell.com

“Skin ‘sees’ UV light, starts producing pigment” Brown University News & Events, 11/3/11, news.brown.edu