Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “Now that summer is coming, I’m wondering what you think of sun blockers and what we should do to protect our skin from cancer-causing sun damage.” Renee R., Allentown, PA A. Dear Renee, I’m not in favor of long, unprotected exposure to the sun, as some people are addicted to sun worshiping and lather themselves in oils and creams to intensify the rays and get a tan. This is not a healthy practice. I believe that good, short periods of exposure to the sun without a sun blocker are highly beneficial. This short answer cannot give you all the details of the tremendous benefits of prudent and beneficial exposure to the sun. So, in short, we need a period of healthy sun exposure several times a week, just as we need good healthy food. There probably is more benefit from sun exposure and the ensuing vitamin D production than from a healthy diet and exercise. I would recommend 15 to 20 minutes three or four times a week, wearing as little clothing as possible with no sun blocker. I just don’t believe that people who live outdoors are at a risk of getting skin cancer and need to use a sun blocker. What did we do when skin blockers were not available? I remember when I was a kid, long before there were sun blockers, playing outside in shorts from early in the morning until late at night. Actually, the biggest risk for skin cancer is not in sunlight exposure, but in sunburns. So don’t overdo it, and avoid sunburns. In a number of studies, the benefits of obtaining sunlight on our skin are far more valuable than blocking the sun with sun blockers. If you have skin cancer in the family, you may want to be cautious and use a sun blocker, but not over 8 SPF. There is very little additional protection after an 8 SPF. If you have any concern of skin cancer or you may be more susceptible to skin cancer, always seek the advice of your physician.