Clear answers about UV radiation and sun safety
Stories, ideas & perspectives — thoughtfully written, beautifully told.
The question of how much sun exposure is necessary for adequate vitamin D production — and whether that amount meaningfully raises skin cancer risk — sits at the intersection of endocrinology, dermatology, and nutrition science. Recent research offers a more nuanced answer than either sun advocates or dermatologists have historically presented.
Read the story →Millions of Americans glance at the UV index each morning and assume they understand their sun exposure risk for the day. But the standard scale omits critical variables — from altitude and reflective surfaces to individual skin type — that can dramatically alter how much ultraviolet radiation actually reaches your skin.
03 Most Americans choose sunscreen based on SPF numbers alone, but that single figure tells only part of the story. Understanding the distinct roles of UVA and UVB radiation—and what your label actually measures—can mean the difference between genuine protection and a false sense of security. This guide cuts through the marketing noise to give you the science you need.
As remote work and screen-heavy lifestyles become the norm across the United States, questions about indoor UV exposure have moved from niche dermatology circles into everyday conversation. But how much UV radiation genuinely penetrates your office window or car windshield—and should you be concerned about your laptop screen? The answers may surprise you, and they carry real implications for how you approach daily sun protection.