In Defense of Sunlight: The Surprising Science of Sun Exposure

Science journalist Jacobsen (Wild Chocolate) delivers an eye-opening investigation into the health benefits of sunlight. Arguing that health-care providers and skin-care product marketers have gone too far in framing the sun as a carcinogen to be avoided at all costs, Jacobsen makes the case that moderate sun exposure has tremendous upsides. Studies consistently show that people who receive ample amounts of sun lead longer, healthier lives, he explains, while sun deprivation is linked to heart attacks, dementia, depression, certain cancers, and autoimmune conditions. There is no one-size-fits-all recommendation, Jacobsen says, noting a healthy dose of sunlight depends on many factors like skin type (those with pale skin may only need a few minutes a day, while those with dark skin might benefit from a lot more). When exposed to natural rays, skin cells produce a molecule called proopiomelanocortin, or POMC, which enzymes separate into hormones that stimulate alertness and feelings of well-being. Fear of the sun is a modern phenomenon that grew in response to a rise in skin cancer cases in the 1970s and ’80s, which Jacobsen says was “less of an emergency than it seemed,” as the increase was the result of longer lifespans and massive population growth. Illuminating and accessibly written, this will make readers want to head outside. (June)