Melanin, found in higher concentrations in darker skin and generated upon sunshine exposure, is one of the most protective molecules against UV damage
Key Points
- In March 2023, Australia became the first country to provide updated guidelines for sun exposure based on skin type, risk of skin cancer, and risk of vitamin D deficiency, officially recommending increased sun exposure for darker skinned people
- Melanin is a pigment found in higher concentrations in darker skin; it has antioxidant and scavenging properties, and acts as an effective sunscreen by protecting skin cells (malanocytes and keratinocytes) from UV induced DNA damage and is considered one of the most protective molecules in the skin against damage from UV radiation
- A tan is a natural form of protection that helps to reduce the risk of sun damage; the key to utilizing sensible sun exposure to help generate a tan is to determine how much time you can expose your skin to sunlight without burning, and after that amount of time is when it is important to cover up, apply sunscreen, or get out of the sun
For decades, the general recommendation for everyone has been to stay out of the sun, cover up, and apply sunscreen regularly, an approach that is now being questioned by certain authorities due to the many benefits of sensible sunshine exposure, notably the production of vitamin D.
