The United States population struggles with two contradictory health issues. First, many people do not adequately protect their skin when they are in the sun for extended periods of time. On the other hand, recent studies have shown that many people are deficient in vitamin D, a vitamin we receive from sun exposure. How do we make sense of these contradictions and make our sun habits healthier?
Sun & Skin Protection
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.1 When your unprotected skin is exposed to the sun, there are two impacts. First, ultraviolet B (UVB) rays can cause sunburn, and second, ultraviolet A (UVA) rays can contribute to long-term effects, such as premature aging, sun spots, and skin cancer. Dr. David McDaniel of the Institute of Anti-Aging Research cautions that even turning slightly pink after time in the sun means your skin has been damaged.2
The threshold for the lowest dose of sun exposure needed to cause sunburn varies from person to person. While UV index and altitude plays a role in a person’s sunburn susceptibility, dermatologists have also developed a skin classification system, known as the Fitzpatrick Skin Type. There are six skin types, ranging from Type 1, which is fair and burns easily, to Type 6, which doesn’t burn easily (although they are still at risk for skin cancer).3
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In light of rising skin cancer occurrences, some cities have taken it upon themselves to launch sun safety campaigns. For example, Miami Beach has started a public health initiative by putting 50 free sunscreen dispensers in public places in the hopes that people will be more diligent about applying sunscreen if it is free and conveniently located. The sunscreen is SPF 30 and UVA and UVB blocking. Researchers call this tactic a “health cue.”4 However, some researchers do not have high hopes for the initiative. Humans have a bias called “risk aversion,” meaning they avoid risk when the benefits are pointed out to them, but they are more likely to take the risk if the negatives are pointed out to them. In this vein, researchers believe people would be more likely to change their behavior if the positive – youthful looking skin – was pointed out to them instead of the negative – skin cancer.5
Victoria, Australia’s “Slip, Slop, Slap” campaign has seen effective results over the past few decades. The campaign, which was launched in 1980, first starred an animated seagull named Sid. The campaign’s name came from Sid’s encouragements that people, “slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen, and slap on a hat.” Craig Sinclair, head of the prevention division at the Cancer Council in Victoria, stated, “We have seen a significant reduction in sunburn rates but also, and equally importantly, the desire for a tan in the population has reduced significantly.”6 In 2007, the Cancer Council SunSmart program updated the slogan to include “seek” and “slide” i.e. seeking shade and sliding on sunglasses.7 In addition to using Sid, Craig Sinclair stated their success is due to their multi-pronged approach: “Not only have we been delivering the media messages, but have been working a lot in key settings such as schools, work places and sports.”8
Vitamin D Deficiency
Human skin cells create Vitamin D when unprotected skin is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is vital to our health in that it helps our bodies absorb calcium. Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, and for most people simply spending five to thirty minutes outside twice a week, without sunscreen, is enough to maintain a healthy level. However, people who don’t spend time outdoors, live far away from the equator, have dark skin tones, and wear sunscreen all the time may not have sufficient levels.9
In addition to sunlight, certain foods are a source of vitamin D. Some ideal foods include fatty fish (salmon, tuna, herring, mackerel), eggs, and dairy products. However, it best to get your vitamin D from sunlight and food sources, not just to rely on food. Research is unclear if vitamin D supplements are effective or not.10
Many Americans suffer from a vitamin D deficiency and do not realize it. Some common factors that make indicate you are or are at greater risk of being deficient include aching bones, being overweight, being over the age of 50, having a darker skin tone, living in northern regions, head sweating, and/or gastrointestinal issues.11 If you are worried that you may have a deficiency, consult your doctor about the option to get a blood test to check your level.12
Slip, Slop, Slap original PSA:
