Vitamin D sunlight?

No not actually, but we do get lots of vitamin D from the sun. The sun is not the only source of vitamin D but it is the most beneficial source we have on this planet.

It’s called “sunshine vitamin D” because when your body is exposed to ultraviolet rays from the sun, it allows your body to make vitamin D.

The best time of day for your body to make this vitamin is during the midday sun. I know that is not what most dermatologists recommend doing, but it is true.

I’m not talking about removing almost all your clothing and lying out in the sun for an hour or so. I’m talking about only 5-15 minutes in shorts, brief top and no sunscreen.

That’s it! No more! …unless you want to invite sun damage to your skin and possible skin cancer. If your going to be in the sunshine any longer you need to use sunscreen and protective clothing if you really want to keep your skin healthy.

When summer’s here, enjoy it. It’s meant to enjoy. Get all the health benefits you can while avoiding the dangers.

When winter arrives, for many of us, all that sunshine disappears.

Do you live north of the southern United States, like all points north of Atlanta? If so, you don’t get enough vitamin D sunlight during the winter months for your body to make this vitamin.

The sun never gets high enough in the sky for its ultraviolet B rays to penetrate the atmosphere.

In order to be sure we are getting enough vitamin D during the winter, we must depend on other sources. Vitamin D Rich Foods and/or whole food supplements are our options during this time.


There are some sun tanning beds that are safe as a resource for vitamin D, but just as with the sun, you must limit your time to no longer than about 11 minutes.

Be cautious and do your homework before using tanning beds.

Tanning parlors that use electric ballasts and not magnetic ballasts are safe.

Additional reading:

Tanning Beds and Skin Cancer

Negative Effects of Tanning Beds


Take advantage of vitamin D and sunlight when that source is available.

Some people, like me, who have had skin cancer and radiation treatments, must really be cautious of too much exposure. It can be quite risky. I rely mostly on vitamin D supplements as it is very hard to get enough through foods and I've had enough sun damage in my life.

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