In Rio de Janeiro for the show in Copacabana this Saturday (4), singer Madonna doesn’t usually sunbathe and has even said that she hates it. Since she was young, the 65-year-old artist has avoided exposure to sunlight as much as possible and wears long clothes, a hat and glasses when she is in the sun, with the aim of taking care of her skin’s health and preventing aging. But, according to experts, not sunbathing regularly is harmful to the body.
Having done everything she could to avoid sunlight for years, Madonna had a doctor’s recommendation to expose herself to the sun after being hospitalized and placed in a coma induced by a serious bacterial infection in 2023.
— And I hate the sun, but I did it anyway, and it was very difficult for me to walk from my house to the backyard and sit in the sun — Madonna said at a show in March this year.
The main harm of not sunbathing is in relation to vitamin D, a substance that performs a series of functions in the body, acting on the immune system, strengthening muscles, bones and teeth and preventing diseases.. The human body produces vitamin D from sun exposure. Those who don’t sunbathe end up having low levels of vitamin D, which is harmful to their health..
Furthermore, Sun exposure helps improve mood by increasing the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that acts in the brain and is linked to a feeling of well-being and pleasure.
— The sun has an antidepressant effect, improves mood and is important in the production of vitamin D — summarizes the head of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), Juliana Kida Ikino.
— Vitamin D is a prohormone that performs metabolic and immunological functions, among other important reactions in our body. Regulates calcium and phosphorus metabolism, synthesizes natural antibiotics by defense cells, modulates autoimmunity, among other functions, such as potential protective action in carcinogenic processes — explains dermatologist Victor Bechara, member of SBD and professor of Cosmiatry from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).
Low sun exposure and insufficient vitamin D can lead to:
- Muscle weakness;
- Fatigue;
- Bone or muscle pain;
- Osteoporosis;
- Increased susceptibility to infections;
- Mood changes;
- Hair loss;
- Difficulty healing wounds.
It takes, on average, 15 to 20 minutes of sunlight per day on a limb (arm or leg) for vitamin D production to occur, at least three times a week. It doesn’t need to be long, not even on the entire body, as the beginning of exposure is enough to activate production, according to experts.
— The use of sunscreens does not significantly alter the production of vitamin D, as prolonged exposure and a large body area is not necessary for its production, according to studies and the Brazilian Society of Dermatology — points out the dermatologist.
— The sun is essential for survival and our health, however, controlled sun exposure is recommended, with the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, prioritizing periods of up to 10 am or after 4 pm.
According to dermatologist Tricie Kobylko de Toledo, from Casa de Saúde São José, in Rio de Janeiro, the times of greatest absorption for vitamin D production are those with the highest incidence of UVB radiation. But it is also during this period, from 10 am to 4 pm, that there are peaks of radiation that increase the chance of skin cancer. Therefore, the use of sunscreen is essential.
— Products with a sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher are recommended for daily use and also for longer exposure to the sun, such as at the beach, swimming pool, fishing. The product must protect against UVA rays and UVB rays — advises the specialist.
— Apply the product 30 minutes before sun exposure so that the skin absorbs it. Distribute it evenly over all parts of the body, including hands, ears, neck and feet. Reapply every two hours. However, this time decreases if there is excessive sweating or if you enter the water — he advises.
— It is also important to protect scars, especially new ones, which can turn dark if exposed to the sun. Older ones must also be protected, as there is a risk of developing tumors, despite this being a rare event.
Juliana Kida Ikino is a dermatologist, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD).
Tricie Kobylko of Toledo is a dermatologist at Casa de Saúde São José, in Rio de Janeiro.
Victor Bechara He is a dermatologist, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD) and professor of Cosmiatry at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ).
