The Sun Debate - Vitamin D Deficiency v Skin Cancer
19-Nov-2011As the weather is getting warmer I am noticing an alarming amount of people saying ‘Who needs sunscreen, I need to get my Vitamin D fix’…
Yes it is true that we need a certain amount of light in order to be healthy, happy, functioning human beings. But the scary thing is the all our nothing mentality when it comes to sunlight. The fact of the matter is most people will make enough Vitamin D just going about their day to day business without the need to slap on the baby oil and lay on some tin foil.
According to the Cancer Council Australia 2 out of 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they turn 70. We still have the highest rate of skin cancer in the world while comparatively we are not Vitamin D deficient as a nation.
What is the best way to ensure your body’s making enough Vitamin D and still protecting yourself?
Getting 5-15 mins of earlier morning or late afternoon sun on the face and forearms daily but avoiding the sun when it’s harmful UV rays is at their strongest- 11am to 3pm AEDST.
Vitamin D may also be found in oily fish, eggs, and meat or fortified foods such as margarine and some milk. Over the counter Vitamin D is also available at your pharmacy.
Half a teaspoon amount of Mediiskin Sunskin for the face neck and ears should be applied buy pressing it gently onto the skin until it turns transparent; this ensures an even thickness all over the face for optimal protection. A teaspoon each is sufficient for limbs, back and chest. This should be applied 20 mins before exposure to the sun and reapplied every 2 hours if you are outside for the day.
Kirsty Warren - Clinic Manager / Dermal Therapist - Sth Yarra
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