That’s unfortunately not an easy question to answer. Despite the benefit of ultraviolet radiation provoking the natural production of vitamin D, it does age the skin.

Melanin, the pigment that darkens skin, protects it from being damaged by the sun’s radiation. People who have dark skin have more melanin and are therefore more protected against skin damage and aging. However, they also need more sun exposure to produce adequate amounts of vitamin D.

Considering that you have dark skin, I would think that the amount of sun exposure that you’re getting is reasonable. A well rounded healthy diet and proper hydration will help to minimize any damage. Fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants as well as high quality fats may be particularly helpful.

As long as your not burning and not noticing any signs of damage, I don’t think there’s too much to worry about.

Thanks for sharing your secret about olive oil! I believe coconut oil is also used for the same purpose.

i am half ethiopian half isreali and my skin has gotten very dark this summer. maybe from peanut color to deep almond color. my mom thinks i am going to dry up and start looking like an old man.

i told her i need the fresh air and sunlight not for vanity but because i was becomming sick from being inside everyday with no good excises because of desk job.

laying in the sun for 20-40 minutes was the best medicine for my small budget. i have got very darker but never burn in the sun. am i doing damage like my mom says?

i do feel much better now.

but am wonder if the urban legend and wives tales of too much sun are true. or is it just something to keep people from going outside and getting dark and looking like poor rural people in color/money conscious world?

i never heard of sunscreen while in africa. but i am half caste.

iski

ps – i rub organic extra virgin olive oil on entire body after being outside.
it is very healthy and a meditranean secret for silky skin

I think coconut oil is easiest to incorporate into meals when melted. You can cook with it, use it as a dressing as you’d use olive oil, or even add it to smoothies. If you juice vegetables, you can also add it to the juice. It’s also used in a variety of health oriented dessert recipes.

Glass typically blocks most of the sun’s UVB radiation which is necessary for vitamin D production, so yes, direct sunlight is best. If you’re referring to winter weather, there’s generally not much UVB radiation in sunlight during cold winters so opening a window wouldn’t do much good anyway. If you live in an area that has cold winters, getting as much sun as you can without burning will help you produce enough vitamin D to get through the winter, or you can consider using vitamin D supplementation during the colder months.

Living in a climate that’s warm all year is a great advantage because the most natural source of vitamin D is always available. In regard to protection, I would think that it shouldn’t be too hard to find pants and long sleeve shirts that are thin enough to not make you too hot. Finding a fashionable hat that will protect your face and neck might be more of a challenge. If you can’t find one, you could always use natural sunscreen instead.

Your comments are refreshing.

Thanks for pointing out Dr. Mercola’s sunscreen. I haven’t tried it and should take a closer look at the ingredients.

I’m glad you’re enjoying the site!