The dangers of the sun and sun tanning have been drilled into our heads for years.
But research is showing that the human body benefits from sun exposure because of the absorption of Vitamin D.
It's no secret that sunscreen manufacturers make billions of dollars each year selling sunscreen products, so it pays for them to put out the message that one needs sunscreen in order to avoid malignant melanoma (skin cancer).
These manufacturers spend billions contributing to dermatology associations in an effort to get their message out.
And it appears to be working, because doctors and dermatologists continue to advice using sunscreen, even though the message may be outdated and evidence is growing that using chemical sunscreens block the body's ability to absorb this nutrient, creating a Vitamin D deficiency.
But study after study indicates the importance of getting enough Vitamin D from sun exposure (see the Archives of Internal Medicine for more information).
Vitamin D can help prevent any number of ailments, including osteoporosis, high blood pressure, breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, and even skin cancer! And studies have found increased risk of heart attacks in people with low levels of Vitamin D, due to lack of outdoor activity.
One of the best ways to get Vitamin D is from the sun (supplements are not as good).
And summertime is the perfect time for the body to stock up on Vitamin D.
This powerful nutrient is in the sun's UVB rays.
When those rays hit the body's skin, a reaction occurs that enables skin cells to produce Vitamin D.
Experts advise that for a fair-skinned person, going out in the sunlight at midday for ten minutes, without sunscreen, will give a person plenty of Vitamin D.
If you still fear being out in the sun without protection, consider using a sunscreen that blocks UVA rays, but not UVB rays.
Virtually no chemical sunscreen will do this, as they are generally manufactured to block both UVA and UVB rays.
So a safe alternative is an organic sunscreen that allows for UVB absorption.
But be forewarned, not all organic sunscreens will do this.
Some organic sunscreens include chemicals in them to block all the sun's rays, or they use ingredients that still block UVB rays.
A good organic sunscreen will not include chemicals of any kind, and block UVA rays and allow for tanning (which occurs from UVB rays).
There are safe alternatives to chemical sunscreens that protect from the harmful sun's rays and allow for the proper absorption of Vitamin D.
Do the right thing and become educated to protect yourself, and your family.