Are You In The Dark About How Much Sun Exposure is Good for Winter Months?

Are You In The Dark About How Much Sun Exposure is Good For Winter Months?

Anybody will tell you that over-exposure to the sun during the summer can lead to some dangerous consequences, including the development of skin cancer. Winter months are not excluded from this rule of thumb.

During winter months, the Duke University Health System recommends the use of makeup or moisturizer with SPF 15 on one’s face and the use of a lip balm or lipstick with sunscreen.

According to Joseph Sweere, DC, a professor at Northwestern Health Sciences University, few people know that some sunlight during the winter is necessary for optimal health.

Adequate exposure to sunshine is crucial for the body ’s production of vitamin D, an important nutrient in bone formation that is essential to general health in adults and to growth in infants and children. Dr. Sweere recommends taking a vitamin D supplement of at least 400 (IU) daily, during winter months when access to the sun is less probable. Dr. Sweere advises for those that want to get enough sunlight for good health but do not wish to risk the sun’s negative health effects, to stay indoors or in the shade from noon into the early afternoon hours.

Another consequence to inadequate sunlight is a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is referred to “winter depression” because it lasts only for the duration of the winter season in areas with colder climates that receive less sunlight. The symptoms of this condition include anxiety; irritability; loss of interest in activities; moodiness; weight gain; cravings for sweets and alcohol; crying spells; fatigue; headaches and insomnia. This type of depression can lead to improper skin care during the winter because of a lack in the nutrition needed to keep skin healthy and vibrant. According to Dr. Sweere, treatment for SAD is light therapy, specifically moderate exposure to sunshine in the darker days of winter. Exercise, stress management, and nutritional supplements can also be beneficial.

The Duke University Health System also advises people to wear high-SPF sunscreen if they’ll be skiing or doing other extensive outdoor activities, because some of the most severe sunburns occur on the slopes.

Sources: Joseph, J. Sweere, D.C., Golden Rules for Vibrant Health in Body, Mind and Spirit (2004), Basic Health Publications, Inc; and the Duke University Health System.