Limited exposure to midday sun ‘beneficial for health’

PEOPLE were urged yesterday to go out in the midday sun to ensure adequate levels of vitamin D.

Contrary to the cover-up message, experts now say some unprotected sun exposure is necessary for good health.

A consensus statement by seven leading health groups and charities recommends 10 to 15 minutes of bare skin exposure three times a week in the summer.

Preferably, surrendering your body to the sun should take place at midday, say the experts.

Before 10am and after 4pm, the rays are too weak in Ireland and Britain even in summer to stimulate vitamin D synthesis in the skin.

However, the message is people should “never be red” at the end of the day. After 10 to 15 minutes it is time to go indoors, cover up or slap on the sunscreen.

Safety advice has softened since fear of skin cancer meant everyone was encouraged to avoid the sun, but this led to confusion.

Yesterday’s guidance is intended to make it clear that “little and frequent” sun exposure is now officially considered a good thing.

The statement represents the views of the British Association of Dermatologists, Cancer Research UK, Diabetes UK, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Heart Forum, the National Osteoporosis Society and the Primary Care Dermatology Society.

Vitamin D can be obtained from diet but is primarily manufactured in the skin by a process that involves ultraviolet B rays from the sun.

Too little vitamin D can lead to rickets in children and brittle bones in adults.

Speaking in London, Rona Mackie from the British Association of Dermatologists said: “Little and frequent sun exposure, for the UK, is the safest and best way to boost vitamin D synthesis.

“We have to put over the message that sunshine is enjoyable…

“At the moment the suggestion is that exposing the face, arms and legs to the sun for 10 to 15 minutes three times a week is going to do no harm.”