The British dermatology industry—which has produced peer-reviewed papers in the past year showing that melanoma incidence is not really increasing, but is merely an increase in the diagnosis of thinner 100 percent curable lesions—is stepping up to the plate and admitting that people need to get regular sun exposure to make adequate vitamin D.

“Experts from the British Association of Dermatologists, Cancer Research UK, Diabetes UK, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Heart Forum, the National Osteoporosis Society and the Primary Care Dermatology Society have said exposure to sunlight is essential to combat a range of conditions,” British newspaper The Cambridge News reported this week.

Instead of denying thousands of studies now connecting vitamin D with lower cancer rates, lower incidence of heart disease and lower incidence of multiple sclerosis, among other disorders, British dermatology leaders have embraced a message of natural moderation when it comes to sun.

Great Britain, which has for years advised over-use of chemical sunscreen in a northern climate, is one of the most vitamin D deficient countries in the world.

U.S. Dermatology leaders—in campaigns largely funded by manufacturers of chemical sunscreen products—still promote daily usage of sunscreen and deny that vitamin D has any proven benefits beyond bone health—a position opposed by virtually every vitamin D researcher worldwide.

“A balance needs to be struck between protecting young children from the risk of skin cancer and ensuring they have enough vitamin D from sunlight,” British Dr. Mike Knapton told The Cambridge News.

To read the Cambridge News story click here.