Ask Larry:
Question: What is a fair skinned, extremely sensitive to the sun, white male to do? With no embellishment, if I am in sunlight at anytime during the day, for more than 15 minutes, I get burnt. Bad burnt. Is it a lesser of the evils? Low vitamin D levels, or damaged and on my way to skin cancer and no sunscreen?
Larry's Response: There are many situations in life where we are faced with a decision between two unpleasant options. I conclude that sun blocking agents can be dangerous. Combined with low cholesterol, blocking the sun's rays contributes to a decline in vitamin D levels. The evidence seems to support this argument. My suggestions stand - don't use drugs to lower cholesterol and don't use chemicals to block sunshine.
Your question is valid, but it doesn't change my suggestion. You are unique and will have to discover methods that meet your special situations. Your skin type doesn't permit time in the sunshine, but what little time you spend is probably sufficient for your production of vitamin D (as long as you have adequate cholesterol).
Perhaps you will have to stay covered or out of the sun. A wide-brimmed hat is vital and you may want to find thin, sun-blocking long sleeve shirts. I know they sell those things at sporting stores (like Gander Mountain). There is nothing in life that would force you to be outside, in the bright sun light, without adequate clothing to cover your skin. A conflict may arise between what you WANT to do and what is safe for your to do. Your decisions could depend on how much you trust my conclusions. If you think I'm off base and that the sellers of topical sun blockers are correct, then you may want to follow their suggestions and not mine.
Sun light is good for all of us. It is the energy that animates all life. No life can survive without it. Your particular situation alters how you relate to direct sunshine, not your need for UV radiation. Small doses of UVB several times a week might also increase your tan (increase melanin formation) and reduce your sensitivity. You might want to enjoy 5 minutes of sun a few times a week - and stay protected the rest of the time. As melanin tans you may find that you can spend more time without burning. I don't have enough details about you particular situation to offer a certain solution.
If you must stay out of the sun, you will probably need vitamin D supplements - a few thousand units per day.
Your question is valid, but it doesn't change my suggestion. You are unique and will have to discover methods that meet your special situations. Your skin type doesn't permit time in the sunshine, but what little time you spend is probably sufficient for your production of vitamin D (as long as you have adequate cholesterol).
Perhaps you will have to stay covered or out of the sun. A wide-brimmed hat is vital and you may want to find thin, sun-blocking long sleeve shirts. I know they sell those things at sporting stores (like Gander Mountain). There is nothing in life that would force you to be outside, in the bright sun light, without adequate clothing to cover your skin. A conflict may arise between what you WANT to do and what is safe for your to do. Your decisions could depend on how much you trust my conclusions. If you think I'm off base and that the sellers of topical sun blockers are correct, then you may want to follow their suggestions and not mine.
Sun light is good for all of us. It is the energy that animates all life. No life can survive without it. Your particular situation alters how you relate to direct sunshine, not your need for UV radiation. Small doses of UVB several times a week might also increase your tan (increase melanin formation) and reduce your sensitivity. You might want to enjoy 5 minutes of sun a few times a week - and stay protected the rest of the time. As melanin tans you may find that you can spend more time without burning. I don't have enough details about you particular situation to offer a certain solution.
If you must stay out of the sun, you will probably need vitamin D supplements - a few thousand units per day.
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Vitamin D 5000 IU
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin important for many metabolic
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$13.50
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