Haber

15 Minutes of Sunlight Enough for Vitamin D, Study Finds

Turkchem 06 Aug 2025 23 2 dk okuma

Prof. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım, Medical Oncology Specialist at Anadolu Sağlık Merkezi Hastanesi, noted that sunbathing is the most natural way to synthesize vitamin D, stating, "However, while trying to obtain vitamin D for our health, we may also increase the risk of skin cancer due to sunbathing under the wrong conditions. Harmful UV rays from the sun are one of the number one causes of melanoma, i.e., skin cancer. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness of proper sunbathing practices throughout society."

Prof. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım, Medical Oncology Specialist at Anadolu Sağlık Merkezi Hospital, noted that while sun exposure is the most natural way to synthesize vitamin D, "we must be careful, because inappropriate sun exposure can also increase our risk of skin cancer. Harmful UV rays from the sun are among the top causes of melanoma, or skin cancer. For this reason, it is important to promote correct sun exposure awareness throughout society."

Emphasizing that UV rays striking at their steepest angle during midday hours can cause skin cells to mutate and develop life-threatening diseases such as skin cancer, Prof. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım from Anadolu Sağlık Merkezi Hospital stated, "For short-term vitamin D synthesis, 10–15 minutes is sufficient for fair-skinned individuals and 20–30 minutes for dark-skinned individuals. Sun exposure should be considered between 09:00–10:30 or after 16:00. During this period, only 20–25% of the arms, legs and face should remain exposed. Staying in the sun for more than 10–15 minutes at midday without sunscreen, umbrella or hat can cause DNA damage to the skin. We must not forget that vitamin D is our friend, but excess UV is our enemy."

Prof. Dr. Yeşim Yıldırım listed the precautions that can be taken against skin cancer:

1. Sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB should be used regularly from infancy throughout the year.
2. Skin should be protected with hats, sunglasses and UV-protective clothing.
3. Dermoscopy should be performed at least once a year, which involves skin examination with a magnifying device. If there is a family history of melanoma, check-ups should be more frequent.
4. All spots and moles on the body should be monitored, and any changes should be noted.
5. If visibly perceptible changes in the colour, shape or size of moles are noticed, a dermatologist should be consulted without delay.
6. No laser or surgical procedures should be performed on moles without dermoscopic examination.
7. Between 10:30–16:00, stay in the shade as much as possible and avoid direct sun exposure.
8. Artificial tanning devices increase the risk of skin cancer, so solarium should be avoided.
9. Severe sunburns sustained especially in childhood will increase melanoma risk later, so children's sensitive skin should be protected with great care.