Unpopular Opinion: Sunshine Rays are Essential for Overall Health

A lot of the cosmetic industry and mainstream media will have you believe that the sun should be avoided at all costs. However, this is not entirely true. While avoiding being sunburnt is essential, sunshine itself is beneficial not just for vitamin D synthesis but for immunity cell health, molecular development in our bodies, longevity, brain health (for focus and memory), and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. This comes down to ultraviolet light and infrared light—both obtained through natural sunlight—which are necessary for immunity cells to function at their optimal state.

Ultraviolet light and infrared light, the important rays we need for immunity, are mostly present in the middle of the day. So, it is actually the most potent time to spend 15 minutes to up to under an hour in the sun.

Autoimmune skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, and other immune conditions not expressed in the skin obtain their immunity cells from the photosynthesis within the skin from sunlight (Metagenics, 2024). For those of you who suffer from eczema or dermatitis, or know a loved one or friend who does, I’m sure you’ve noticed when they spend more time in the sun, their skin clears up after a few days!

Skin cancers and autoimmune disorders are predominantly most prevalent in skin types of origin furthest from the equator, such as English, Scottish, and Northern European—the areas of least sun exposure. Although it’s important to be cautious and vigilant about melanomas, studies have shown that people with regular sun exposure have longer quality of life, stronger immunity, and a lower prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (Metagenics, 2014).

Vitamin D deficiency, expressed by low serum levels, is currently experienced by one-third of the global population across all age groups (The World Health Organization, 2024). Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to osteoporosis in adults, slower bone development in children, and affect growth and development across the lifespan. Avoiding melanomas and being vigilant is crucial, but at what cost?

There is an abundance of advertising on health and medical information that centers around fearing the sun. The sun isn’t to be avoided like the plague and children protected at all costs. It’s about being intelligent with the nutrients and light particles that are required to sustain life. Too much of anything good can become counterproductive, and the sun is no different.

Sun exposure is essential for our health, but as we know, we all have different tolerances. It’s important to know your own skin and your tolerance to sunlight. It is a personal choice how much sunlight you or your children have, and it’s important to prioritize it while still protecting yourself from melanomas.

- Melanie Bosz