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The Vitamin D Debate

Skin Cancer Information

Worried about Vitamin D? Know the facts and how much sun
we need to produce the required daily levels.

Skin cancer is the UK’s most common and fastest rising cancer.
It is now one of the biggest cancer killers in 15-34 year olds.

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Solar Ultra Violet Radiation (UVR) is a known carcinogen.
It cannot be seen or felt and is the primary cause of skin cancer

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Sunburn is a reaction to UV radiation and is a clear sign that
you have seriously damaged your skin.

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Sunbeds are not safe - FACT! UV radiation from sunbeds can
cause serious and irreparable damage and cause melanoma

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Our skin is our body’s largest organ that performs a variety of
vital functions - learn how UVR affects and damages our skin

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All skin types can be damaged by UVR, but some skin types
and family history of skin cancer can mean you are more at risk

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Worried about Vitamin D? Know the score...

The sun makes us feel good and we all need the sun to survive. Sunlight helps your body produce Vitamin D which is important for developing and protecting strong and healthy teeth and bones.

We can also get Vitamin D from certain foods including milk, fish, egg yolks, and fortified cereals. However, exposure to UVB radiation is the most efficient way to boost Vitamin D supply.

Although environmental and personal factors greatly affect the Vitamin D production in the skin meaning there is no 'one-size-fits-all' level of exposure. What we do know is that sunburn caused by over exposure to the sun is highly damaging to our skin. With skin cancer on the increase, it is very important to strike a balance.

Best estimates suggest that for most people every day casual exposure to sunlight is enough to produce the required Vitamin D levels. Research has consistently shown that Vitamin D can efficiently and sufficiently be produced at doses of UV below those which, cause reddening of the skin or sunburn. Thus 15 to 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, without skin reddening or burning, per day should be sufficient for most people to produce the required Vitamin D levels.

Children playing football in the sun

“15 to 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, without skin reddening or burning, per day should be sufficient for most people to produce the required vitamin D levels. Most healthy diets contain vitamin D, but where appropriate levels can be increased by supplements or a diet containing vitamin D rich foods, e.g. Fish & Milk”
Professor Andrew Wright, Consultant Dermatologist, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

You may also be interested in the following related topics:

Skin Cancer TypesCheck Your SkinMelanoma FactsEarly Detection
Sun Safety & Skin Cancer Booklet
Sun Safety & Skin Cancer Booklet
Download all you need to
know in one handy little book
DOWNLOAD NOW
Skin Cancer Prevention Top Tips
Skin Cancer Prevention Top Tips
Look after your skin and follow
the golden rules of sun safety
LEARN MORE
Skin Cancer - The Warning Signs
Skin Cancer - The Warning Signs
Learn how to check your skin and
what you should be looking for...
LEARN MORE
Types of Skin Cancer
Types of Skin Cancer
Examples, symptoms, causes
treatments and prevention.
LEARN MORE

Sun Safe Schools
Sun Safe Schools
National primary school accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach children and assist schools and parents on the importance of sun safety
LEARN MORE
Sun Safe Nurseries
Sun Safe Nurseries
National pre-school accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach children and assist settings and parents on the importance of sun safety
LEARN MORE
Sun Safe Workplaces
Sun Safe Workplaces
National workplace accreditation scheme developed by Skcin to teach outdoor workers and employers the importance of sun safety
LEARN MORE
MASCED.UK
MASCED.UK
National Accreditation Scheme for hair, health and beauty professionals to promote the prevention and early detection of skin cancer and save lives.
LEARN MORE

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