For decades, dermatologists have warned us to stay out of the sun. Shunning the sun was supposed to protect us from premature wrinkles and skin cancer.
It is true that spending a lot of time in the sun will damage our skin. Ultraviolet radiation can indeed accelerate wrinkling and contribute to squamous and basal cell skin cancer formation. Sunburn is unquestionably harmful and worth preventing.
But Could Avoiding Sunlight Altogether Also Carry Risks?
In this brief video, eminent dermatologist Dr. Steve Feldman describes a surprising study involving nearly 30,000 Swedish women who were followed for about 20 years.
The women who regularly spent time in the sun lived longer than those who deliberately avoided it.
Yes, you read that correctly.
Watch Dr. Feldman Explain Why Shunning the Sun Poses Problems
The Swedish study was observational, so it cannot prove that sunshine itself prolonged life. People who spent more time outdoors may also have exercised more, socialized more or differed in other important ways.
Nevertheless, the results challenge the idea that every ray of sunlight should be treated like a dangerous toxin.
Dr. Feldman is not recommending sunburns, marathon tanning sessions or hours spent baking on the beach. His message is more nuanced:
Enjoying some sunshine while avoiding a burn may be healthier than hiding from the sun completely.
Shunning the Sun to Save Your Skin?
This short video is just a taste of our fascinating hour-long conversation with Dr. Feldman.
In Show 1479: Must You Shun the Sun to Save Your Skin?, he explains why some people may actually become addicted to ultraviolet light and why volunteers in his research consistently preferred a tanning bed that emitted UV radiation over an identical bed that did not.
We also discuss:
- How to enjoy the outdoors without burning your skin
- Why psoriasis sometimes improves with carefully controlled UV exposure
- Practical approaches to eczema and atopic dermatitis
- An unusual use for Flonase spray on irritated skin
- Heat rash, bug bites and tick prevention
- Whether artificial intelligence can help people identify skin problems
Dr. Feldman is Professor of Dermatology, Pathology, and Social Sciences & Health Policy at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He has published more than 1,000 peer-reviewed scientific articles and is internationally recognized for his work on psoriasis, acne and how patients use their medicines.
Listen to the Complete Conversation
The 72-second video above raises the provocative question. The full program provides the context, cautions and practical advice.
Listen to Show 1479: Must You Shun the Sun to Save Your Skin?
Download the mp3, or listen to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
After listening, please share your thoughts in the comment section.
Have dermatologists gone too far in warning people to shun the sun, or is strict sun avoidance still the safest strategy?
