There’s a lot of hysteria around the sun and sunscreen both good and bad. Let me explain. Does the sun make you happy too? Is there anything better than bare feet, arms, and legs basking in the sun's rays after months of darkness, cold, snow, and rain? Whether you enjoy sitting outdoors, playing golf, watching your children play soccer, or hosting outdoor BBQs, summer inevitably means sun. The sun is life itself, yet it has received a lot of criticism. Let’s appreciate the lovely sun, respect its rays, and use our common sense again, that's what I feel compelled to write. The sun isn’t inherently bad; it only becomes harmful if you overindulge without using common sense!

While many develop skin cancer or melanoma, there are plenty who didn’t get cancer even before sunscreen became a major trend. And why is the rate of melanoma increasing even as we’re bombarded with news, ads, and campaigns telling us to slather on sunscreen? These are perplexing questions, which is why I’m grateful to stay informed about the latest research. I'm not saying you shouldn't use sunscreen, I use it myself, but allow your skin to get its daily dose of vitamin D before applying it. And remember, doing everything right doesn't guarantee you won't get cancer, because we still don't know enough about this awful disease. I’m vulnerable to it myself but doing my best to fight it.

So let me share my perspective on the sun:

Should you sunbathe for long periods because sunscreen protects you? Absolutely not, for heaven’s sake, no. Many factors are at play. We must take UVB and UVA rays seriously. My relationship with the sun was put on hold in 2006. The sun needs to be respected. I’m half Italian with fair skin and moles here and there. During my first pregnancy in 2003, I developed a strange mole on my chest. I consulted two different dermatologists who dismissed my concerns, but I had a nagging feeling and tried another dermatologist. Finally, I got the diagnosis: cancer. The dermatologist bluntly told me, "Nicole, it's cancer, and you need to stop sunbathing." I replied, "But I’m not the sunbathing type," yet she insisted I wait while she saw other patients. Alone in the waiting room, I felt a wave of fear for my two young children, and tears began to fall. Dr. Anne Rahm-Leppin’s harsh words had a profound impact. After about 30 minutes, she returned and apologized, explaining that she aims to shock patients into taking their condition seriously. Thanks to my skepticism and her scolding, I began exploring the vitamin D mystery. The dermatologist advised no sun exposure and didn’t mention taking vitamin D supplements, which puzzled me. I thought, what about those with undiagnosed conditions? And those who think they should avoid the sun entirely? This seemed alarming and awful.

With my current knowledge and experience, I understand the importance of sun and vitamin D. It’s crucial to protect your skin with the right sunscreen, especially during prolonged sun exposure. Choose a sunscreen free of harmful chemicals and keep your appointments with your dermatologist if you have sensitive skin. How much sun is too much? When is sunscreen most effective? When should it be applied? How much vitamin D is enough?

Is the Mediterranean lifestyle healthy because of the diet or the plentiful sun? Many important questions…

So here’s my advice: Sunbathe moderately to get the necessary vitamin D, essential for healthy bones. 80-100% of the vitamin D we need comes from the sun. The sun is the most beautiful star, vital for my health, though it must be enjoyed responsibly. Studies show many children and teens are vitamin D deficient because campaigns urge them to "bathe" in sunscreen, neglecting the dangers of insufficient vitamin D. In some countries, sunscreen isn’t widely used, and skin cancer rates are lower. While their skin types differ from ours, avoiding midday sun exposure and taking siestas isn’t a bad tradition. Use common sense, get a few minutes of daily sun without protection, and then apply a high- quality, chemical-free sunscreen. Confused? I was too, but do you see the point now?

The Health Authority recommends 10 µg of vitamin D daily, enough to prevent rickets, a disease caused by vitamin D deficiency. But how much do we need for optimal health? To prevent autoimmune diseases, high blood pressure, depression, osteoporosis, and even cancer? Why isn’t the public informed about this? I’ve read 25-50 µg is ideal. Monitoring your vitamin D levels is wise, and both your doctor and I can help with that. Is it still confusing how much vitamin D you need daily? Are you getting enough? A test can reveal this. Email me, and we’ll find a solution at info@npcares.com Navigating health advice can be daunting, but as I always tell myself and my loved ones, the best approach is:

• Eat right, including plenty of fresh, organic vegetables.
• Use natural, organic sunscreen and be critical of ingredients. Use Zinc Oxide sunscreens.
• Consume antioxidants like dark berries, green tea, and dark chocolate.
• Love the sun but respect it.
• Eat omega-3-rich foods like fatty fish and flaxseed oil.
• Wear hats and protective clothing during extended sun exposure.
•Take a siesta between 12-3 pm.
• Sunbathe without sunscreen according to your skin type, e.g., 15 minutes without, then apply a good sunscreen with repeated applications.

And when it comes to ‘good sunscreen,’ you know how particular I am! I insist on sunscreen that’s good for both health and the environment! Choose a 50 factor sunscreen if you need to stay long under the sun. A less toxic sunscreen contains zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is known for being safer and more environmentally friendly. Tell me what you think about the sun?