Dermatologist: Get Some Sun

Skin Cancer Rates Are Rising Despite More Sun Protection

Most people do not get skin cancer — not globally, and not even among Europeans with the highest UV exposure. Despite massive "fight skin cancer" campaigns driving unprecedented sunscreen use and indoor time, rates are actually going up. This doesn't add up if sun exposure alone is the culprit. And notably, people who do develop skin cancer don't develop it all over — lesions are mostly discrete. The skin clearly has its own mechanisms for preventing cancer, even in those who develop it.

Sunlight Has Significant Protective Benefits

Sunlight appears to improve the odds against colon, breast, and prostate cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple sclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes. These benefits are achieved through multiple mechanisms: vitamin D production, nitric oxide release, and immune regulation. Sunlight also improves mood, improves pain tolerance, and may even help with addiction and substance abuse.

There Is Genuine Nuance Here

To be clear — there may be a connection between skin cancer and sun exposure, and sunburn does injure the skin, can accelerate aging, and may contribute to skin cancer risk. The point is not to throw caution out entirely. The point is that sun avoidance as a blanket default is not supported by the full picture of the science.

Know Your MED

Your Minimal Erythemal Dose (MED) is the amount of sunlight that makes you slightly pink the next day — essentially a mild sunburn threshold. This varies by skin type and is your personal benchmark for sun tolerance.

Aim for 25–50% of Your MED

Vitamin D pioneer Dr. Michael Holick calculated that exposing your arms and legs to about 25% of your MED, two to three times a week, may cover your vitamin D needs. To capture the full range of sunlight's benefits — nitric oxide release, immune regulation, mood — aim for 30–50% of your MED a few times a week. Packed with benefits and absolutely free.

Then Cover Up — If You Want

Once you've reached your sensible threshold, step out of the sun, cover up, or use sunblock. But do not make sun protection your automatic, mindless default before you've even gotten any exposure at all.