The Role of Vitamin D and Sunlight for Healthy Skin

Updated on: 15th March, 2024

If there is one thing people would swear in life about the biggest benefit of sun exposure, it is vitamin D. However, there are various health benefits of sun exposure unrelated to vitamin D. Since it isn’t any less important, let’s take it as the hottest selling cake of discussion.

Although childhood has always been a playful period in everyone’s lives, it is always seen that some of our most memorable moments and life’s lessons are learned while playing outdoors. I still remember how I used to be in a state of flux for walks just on the pretext of chocolates offered by my dad, much before the winds of change blew in my mind about the benefits of skin exposure in the morning.

As I got the benefits of vitamin D woven into the tapestry from my parents, I would like to share some with each one of you.

While sun exposure is often synonymous with harmful effects of sun but more often than not, things become unwittingly funny when people refrain themselves from stepping out in the sun in the morning.

Changing with the times, we have to embrace the idea of getting vitamin D by exposing our skin to sunlight as that is the only natural source available.

Though the amount of vitamin D you get depends upon various factors like what time of the day it is, the place where you live, the amount of skin you expose, the colour of your skin and so on.

The human body is designed in such a way that it absorbs the sun rays (ultraviolet B) to produce vitamin D. It is important to know that you don’t need to tan or burn your skin in order to get the dose of vitamin D and even exposing your skin for a while can produce enough vitamin D.

According to researchers, exposing your skin for too long can be dangerous as it increases the risk of skin cancer hence moderate or frequent sun exposure is a healthy way to gain vitamin D.

The Vitamin D Council recommends an option of taking vitamin tablets for people who can’t expose themselves to sun rays. However, they suggest that sun exposure is the best way to get vitamin D.

Due to our erratic lifestyle, it is important to have vitamin D to absorb calcium and phosphorus in our diet to have healthy bones and other health benefits.

Have a look at some quick pointers on vitamin D and skin exposure

• The amount of Vitamin D your body will make depends upon your skin type (Your skin shade and the tendency to get sunburn), the time of the day and the year.
• Sun exposure during summers without sunscreen is enough to produce vitamin D.
• People with darker skin need to spend more time in the sun to produce Vitamin D compared to lighter skinned people.
• Staying longer in the sun without sun protection can create the risk of skin cancer.

The group of people who are prone to the risk of vitamin D deficiency includes pregnant, breastfeeding women, people beyond 65 years of age and people who have not been exposed to sun rays for a longer period.

The above-given information is through the eyes of my observation and knowledge. So, Before going on any advice here or following instructions, the information, you must see your dermatologist for proper guidance. This is very important as reasons for skin problems can be different. You can also write down to us in the comment section or ask in “Ask Question” section. Also, you can book an appointment with our dermatologist for more detailed consultation and guidance. Thank you.