Sunnies? Put them down for this Vitamin D secret

Your eyes and your skin are your UV detectors. When they detect UV your body produces melanin. Melanin is the pigment that, amongst other things, stops you from burning. Sunglasses block UV, and therefore, block melanin production. So if you are trying to increase your vitamin D, by doing a “sun bath”, you shouldn’t wear sunglasses while you are doing it.

Depending on your skin tone, and the climate, a daily sun bath can be anything from 15 to 30 minutes, 3 times a week. Mid day sun has been shown to be most effective. The paler your skin, the less time you should spend in direct sunlight. This is known as “tanning without burning”.

You can use some sunblock on your face if you are concerned about the aging effects of the sun, but you should expose your shoulders and back to produce as much vitamin D as possible. This would be expected to provide somewhere in the region of 10’000 to 20’000iu per day. Even the most potent supplements would provide app 2’000iu per day.

I’m not suggesting for one minute that you should go outside in the soaring heat and burn yourself to a crisp. Or that you shouldn’t use sunblock and sunglasses if you are spending hours outside. Remarkably, the evidence is clear that both vitamin D and melanin are protective against melanoma (skin cancer). It’s a paradox. We’re all asked to stay out of the sun, wear sunglasses and wear sunblock and yet they block the very things that our body and evolution have provided to protect us, and has done since the beginning of time.

Wearing sunglasses during your weekly sun bath may make you more likely to burn. Valeo doesn’t want you to burn, we want you to replenish your vitamin D in a safe, enjoyable way and enjoy the many health benefits from our glorious sun.

If you really aren’t keen on this idea, or simply do not have the time, then we can advise you on safe and effective supplementation.