It’s always felt a like a big disconnect for me that sun exposure is somehow not healthy. Why, then would it feel so amazing to have the sunlight touching your bare skin? The feeling of the sun warming and penetrating bare skin is one of the most comforting and relaxing sensations I’ve ever experienced.

In fact, this penetrating heat is so sought out and desirable that it has been replicated in infrared saunas (Related: Infrared Saunas for Healthier Skin, Well Being). That same absorbing, tissue penetrating heat you feel from solar exposure is that same type of therapeutic heat you get in an infrared sauna. Infrared heat has demonstrated in studies to be not only helpful for muscle relaxation and feelings of well-being, but also has detoxification benefits.

Lest we get off on a separate subject too quickly, let’s get back to actual sunlight exposure. Sure, infrared energy is a part of the comfort natural warm sunlight exposure offers. However, there is another important aspect of sun exposure that is not only comforting but also necessary for sustained health and wellness. That is, of course, the creation of the most potent and absorbable form of the indisposable vitamin D.

Sun Bathing Responsibly

So many people think they cannot sunbathe at all, meaning even a short sleeve shirt and an hour of outdoor sunlight exposure translates to a sunburn if they go out without any protection at all. So they lather up the highest SPF possible to ensure the sun’s rays do not penetrate their skin at all.

And they don’t get burned. But what they also don’t get the benefit of is the slight deepening of the skin tone which indicates the sun has penetrated the skin, causing the melanin, which is the substance that absorbs the UV rays, to darken.

UV Interaction with Skin Produces Vitamin D 

This in turn means that your skin is producing a chemical reaction that essentially synthesizes the most potent form of perhaps the most critical vitamin for human health. Vitamin D is actually a hormone. This vitamin is so vitally important for everything from heart health, to cancer prevention and building a robust immune system, to mental well-being, that its benefits cannot be overstated or exaggerated.

The specific ultraviolet radiation produced by sunlight penetrates the skin and the amazing human body then creates the hormone/vitamin from this chemical reaction process. It’s really an incredible mechanism build into our skin, in its own right. Related: Natural Oils with Sunscreen Capabilities

You can get sun exposure responsibly. Responsible sunbathing is all about never getting sunburned. It is ok for the skin to turn just the slightest bit of pink (although some would balk even at that). However, you are looking to not cause “damage” to the skin by over exposure. This of course depends on your skin type and a variety of other factors. Look into ways to increase your “internal SPF” via dietary and supplementary means (Related: Cod Liver Oil a Natural Protection Against Sunburn?)

Natural Sunlight is the Best Medicine 

Try to expose as much of your skin as possible during any sunlight session. Exposing the legs and arms, and any other parts you can, will ensure you get even exposure and do not expose one part too much, increasing odds of individual over exposure.

You can wear a bit of sunblock on parts like the shoulders and neck that tend to get burned. Avoid sunblock that contain any type of vitamin A derivative as this can actually increase any damage done by overexposure to UVB radiation. Try to get a natural mineral-based sunblock instead of one that uses a laundry list of chemicals as sun protection.

Always protect your face with the highest level of SPF. Your face gets constant sun exposure, even in the winter months, so it is never necessary to think of your facial skin as part of your Vitamin D absorption strategy – it’s too susceptible to sun damage already. Focus on the arms and legs for maximum benefit.

Try to not shower or bathe for several hours after sun exposure. Doing so will interrupt the critical chemical reaction that is taking place on the skin. It can also interfere with the subsequent absorption of the vitamin D that is created by this reaction.

The bottom line is that it is possible to get a healthy level of sun exposure, regardless of your genetic makeup and heritage. It’s all about responsible timing of sun exposure, and ensuring sunburns don’t occur. Avoiding the hours when the sun is at its strongest can be beneficial as well (usually between noon and 3 in most places).

Vitamin D Deficiency – Why Sunlight is the Most Potent Vitamin D Builder

There are plenty of effective vitamin D supplements for the darker winter months for those of us that don’t live in year-round sunny climates. However, these supplements don’t entirely replicate the natural effectiveness of real sunlight exposure. As usual “nature knows better”, and sunlight exposure still remains the most effective manufacturer of vitamin D for our bodies.

It is thought to be a large contributor to the increase in colds and flus in the darker winter months. It is true that we are more closed in during these months and more likely to come in contact with these types of bugs, however some studies have also pointed to the lack of vitamin D. It is also a major reason cited for "SAD" Seasonal Affective Disorder - Read more about the mood and health benefits of sun exposure.

Because vitamin D is strongly linked to increased immunity, it only makes sense that we would be more susceptible to catching the flu and colds during the months our bodies are most deprive of natural sunlight.