With the summer time approaching, there seems to be a battle between protecting ourselves from the power of the sun, ensuring we are looking after our skin, yet needing to expose our skin often enough to get the beneficial sunshine on it to boost our vitamin D levels.

Sunshine is the best way to get vitamin D but, with the increased vitamin D dose, there has been found to be an increase in DNA damage at skin level. Everyone has their individual tolerance level. It is estimated that 9 minutes of lunchtime sunlight each day would be enough for Caucasians to stay above the deficient levels throughout the year. Little and often seems to be the key as our bodies cannot overload on vitamin D. 

According to studies, nothing suggests that using an everyday sunscreen leads to a vitamin D deficiency. Recent research has shown that even with a daily sunscreen, vitamin D levels can be maintained. SPF 15 and over has been shown to significantly decrease the likelihood of skin damage due to sun exposure, including both premature skin ageing and cancer. 

Vitamin D provides various and differing benefits, supports many vital biological processes within the body, and is essential for optimal health.

Some benefits include:

Increased bone health and growth by regulating calcium levels 

Increased muscle mass and stretch 

Increased muscle fibres that are useful for short, powerful movements 

Help to support and regulate the immune system

So, incidental but protected exposure to sun will give you vitamin D without needing to risk damage caused by exposed and unprotected skin. 

Heal > Adapt > Evolve