There is one summer “supplement” that doesn’t come in a bottle, nor is sold at the pharmacy. Known as the “Sunshine Vitamin,” it comes from safe sun exposure that helps our bodies produce vitamin D. Now that summer is approaching and there is plenty of sunshine to go around, it is all the more important to get outside, while remaining vigilant on protecting our skin from extended or unprotected UV exposure.
In recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s important to remember that enjoying the sunshine and protecting our skin go hand in hand. As many of us know all too well, the feeling of warm sunshine on our skin can instantly lift our mood and signal the welcome return of longer, brighter days. Beyond that, sunlight has been linked to a range of health benefits, including improved sleep, mood, bone health and calcium absorption, and robust immune support.
Of course, one of sunlight’s best-known benefits is its role in producing vitamin D. Our bodies naturally create vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, but this ability does decline with age. Studies show that by age 70, the skin produces about 50% less vitamin D than at age 20. This decline matters because vitamin D plays a critical role in helping the body fight infection, regulate immune function, and promote healing.
The key is balance: getting all the benefits of time spent in the sun without increasing the risk of skin damage.
When heading outdoors, it is critical to have (and actually use) sunscreen. A few things to consider:
- FDA guidance recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF value for 15 or higher before sunlight exposure and reapplying at least every two hours.
- Broad-spectrum sunscreens specifically offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays, two types of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
- Checking your sunscreen expiration date is also an important place to start. Sunscreen (without a listed expiration date) generally has a shelf life of no more than three years, and even less if it has been exposed to direct sun or excessive heat.
- Another way to check your sunscreen is to take note of color and consistency: if the color has changed from white to yellow, starts to separate, and or is a different consistency than when originally purchased. These may indicate that the sunscreen is no longer effective.
Another important layer of sun protection — in addition to sunscreen and longer-sleeved clothing, hats, and sunglasses — is prioritizing regular skin checks and skin mapping.
- Routine self-screenings and using the ABCDE rule, can help monitor any new or changing spots on the skin for warning signs of skin cancer.
- Another important step is scheduling an annual skin cancer screening with a medical provider. These provider-led exams, typically done once a year, allow doctors or nurses to check the skin for any areas that may look abnormal in size, shape, texture, or color.
- While Medicare does not cover skin cancer exams as part of a free preventative benefit, it may cover services used to diagnose potentially cancerous skin growths. This makes routine self-checks and annual exams especially important; as providers can refer patients to a dermatologist or specialist when needed, visits that may be covered under Medicare Part B. For help locating a dermatologist in your area that accepts Medicare, visit Medicare’s Physician Finder tool and review a glossary of common insurance terms
While the “Sunshine Vitamin” may not need a prescription, nature’s best supplement still comes with instructions. The goal isn’t to avoid the sun entirely, but to enjoy it wisely. By prioritizing sun protection in all its forms from sunscreen and protective clothing and being vigilant about routine skin self-checks and annual screenings, small habits can make a lasting difference.
Lauren Belsky serves as Development Coordinator for the Alliance.
