Sun Exposure: Risks, Benefits, and What You Need to Know

When you step outside, your body gets sun exposure, the contact between your skin and ultraviolet rays from the sun. Also known as UV exposure, it’s not just about getting a tan—it’s a biological event that triggers vitamin D production, affects your mood, and can damage your skin in ways you can’t see right away. Every minute you spend in daylight sends signals to your cells, and those signals aren’t always harmless.

UV radiation, the invisible part of sunlight that causes skin damage comes in two main types: UVA and UVB. UVA ages your skin over time, leading to wrinkles and dark spots. UVB burns your skin and is the main driver of skin cancer, a group of diseases caused by DNA damage from excessive sun exposure. Melanoma, the deadliest form, is linked to intense, intermittent sunburns—especially during childhood. But here’s the twist: you don’t need to burn to be at risk. Even daily, low-level exposure adds up over years.

On the flip side, vitamin D, a hormone your body makes when skin is exposed to UVB rays is critical for bone health, immune function, and even mood regulation. Most people can’t get enough from food alone. A 10- to 15-minute walk in midday sun, a few times a week, often does the trick for fair-skinned people. But if you live north of Atlanta, wear sunscreen daily, or have darker skin, you might be deficient. That’s why doctors often test vitamin D levels—not just for bones, but for overall health.

And then there’s sunscreen, the most common tool people use to block UV radiation. But not all sunscreens are equal. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays. SPF 50 blocks 98%. Going higher gives you almost no extra protection—and many people use it as an excuse to stay out longer. The real key? Reapplying every two hours, using enough (about a shot glass full for your whole body), and combining it with hats, shade, and timing your outdoor time before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

What you’ll find in the articles below isn’t just a list of sun safety tips. It’s a collection of real-world insights on how sun exposure connects to medications, skin conditions, and even mental health. You’ll read about how certain drugs make your skin more sensitive to the sun, why some people need to avoid daylight entirely, and how to protect yourself without living like a hermit. These aren’t theoretical warnings—they’re stories from people managing side effects, adjusting routines, and staying healthy while still enjoying the outdoors.