Position Paper from the European Sunlight Association

For decades, Europe’s public health messages have highlighted only the dangers of the sun, in particular the risk of skin cancer. While avoiding overexposure is essential, new scientific evidence shows that regular and moderate contact with natural sunlight can bring important health benefits. These benefits go far beyond the well-known role of vitamin D and include protection against heart disease, certain autoimmune conditions, allergies, and even improvements in mental and cognitive health.

The European Sunlight Association calls for a more balanced approach. Public policy should continue to warn against the risks of excessive sun, but it must also encourage safe daily exposure to sunlight as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Background

Humans have lived with sunlight for as long as our species has existed. Our bodies are adapted to it, and our health depends on it. Yet in recent decades, public health strategies have strongly promoted “sun avoidance.” This has certainly reduced some skin cancers, but it has also meant that millions of Europeans may not be receiving enough of the sun’s benefits.

Evidence of Benefits

Longer, healthier lives

Large European studies show that people who spend more time in the sun live longer and have lower risks of heart disease and other major causes of death. In fact, women with low sun exposure in Sweden had the same increased risk of dying as smokers.

More than vitamin D

Vitamin D is important, but sunlight does much more. It helps the skin release nitric oxide, which lowers blood pressure, and it influences our immune and hormonal systems. Supplements cannot reproduce all these effects.

A stronger, calmer immune system

Moderate sunlight exposure helps the immune system work in balance. It reduces unnecessary inflammation and supports defences against disease. Evidence shows benefits for conditions such as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, allergies in children, and even recovery from viral infections.

Better development and brain health

Children whose mothers had more sunlight exposure during pregnancy show fewer learning difficulties. Sunlight also influences hormones linked to energy, mood, and social wellbeing.

Heart and metabolic health

People who get more regular sun exposure have lower rates of high blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. These are among the leading health challenges in Europe today.

Policy Implications for Europe

From fear to balance

Europe needs to move from “avoid the sun” to “use the sun wisely.” That means encouraging moderate daily exposure while protecting against burning.

Supporting those at risk

Groups with little natural sunlight such as older people in care, people living at high latitudes, or those with chronic illness should have easier access to safe light-based therapies.

Investing in research

Europe should lead in clinical studies to better define how sunlight can be used in prevention and treatment of major diseases, particularly heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic syndrome.

ESA Recommendations

1. Update national guidelines to promote safe, regular sunlight exposure.
2. Include sunlight in public health strategies on cardiovascular health, immunity, and mental wellbeing.
3. Provide education campaigns that explain both the risks and the benefits.
4. Support further European research into light based preventive health.

Conclusion

The latest scientific evidence is clear: sunlight, when enjoyed responsibly, is not only safe but necessary for good health. Everyone should be encouraged to step into the light – regularly, moderately, and wisely. Public health policies must reflect this balance, ensuring that Europeans benefit from their most natural and abundant health resource: the sun.

Sources

1. Riedmann U, Dibben C, de Gruijl FR, Gorman S, Hart PH, Hoel DG, Levy C, Lindqvist PG, Norval M, Parikh SS, Pilz S, Rueter K, Slominski AT, Slominski RM, Young AR, Zgaga L, Weller RB. Beneficial health effects of ultraviolet radiation: expert review and conference report. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences. 2025; https://doi.org/10.1007/s43630-025-00743-6.

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