Should We Spend Time in the Sun?

We love the sun and advocate for time outdoors. It is true that our skin can be vulnerable to sunburn, and repeated sunburns can cause visible damage. Yet, our interaction with the sun need not be "all or none!". We can enjoy a healthy and happy relationship with the sun.

Our bodies are covered with thousands of vitamin D receptors designed to attract the sun’s rays. Our cells have a DNA code and photons that require energy and information from the sun. We have co-evolved with the sun and it is key to our nourishment, biological clock, and hormonal regulation.

Our skin’s exposure to the sun produces two types of sulfur: cholesterol sulfate and vitamin D3 sulfate. Sulfur and cholesterol protect our DNA from the radiation damage that contributes to cancer. You can also make all the glutathione you need for the day in just a few minutes of sun to skin contact. Glutathione regulates melanin synthesis, neutralizes free radicals and reactive oxygen species, and is required for DNA repair. It also contributes to protein production. Glutathione supplements are widely available, but laboratory studies have concluded that dietary glutathione has low bioavailability.

The best time of day for sunning is morning to solar-noon. Your tolerance for sun depends on the condition of your skin, your natural skin pigmentation, and your diet. Fortunately sun-ripened produce is abundant in summer, just when we need it most. Fill your diet with colorful fruits and vegetables to supply your body with free-radical scavenging antioxidants. For best practices use PROTECT on your face, neck and decollete while you expose your torso and limbs to the nourishing rays.