{"id":27759,"date":"2026-05-07T09:21:59","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T13:21:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/?p=27759"},"modified":"2026-05-07T09:21:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T13:21:59","slug":"how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/index.php\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Sun Is Right for You? It Starts With Your Skin Type"},"content":{"rendered":"<header id=\"masthead\" class=\"site-header\" role=\"banner\">\n<div class=\"page-header\">\n<div class=\"container_12\">\n<div class=\"header-bg no-headerimg \">\n<div class=\"grid_10 ml header-title\">\n<p><em>From GrassrootsHealth<\/em><\/p>\n<h4>Maximize benefits and reduce harms of sun exposure by understanding your skin type and following evidence-based recommendations for an individualized approach to sun exposure and protection<\/h4>\n<div>\n<div>\n<h3>Key Points<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>In March 2023, Australia became the first country to provide updated guidelines for sun exposure based on skin type, risk of skin cancer, and risk of vitamin D deficiency, officially recommending increased sun exposure for darker skinned people<\/li>\n<li>Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of sunburns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D, so that a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II<\/li>\n<li>Once you know your skin type, you can get a better idea of your overall risk for skin cancer and sunburn. The next step is to determine how much time you can expose your skin to sunlight without burning; after that amount of time is when it is important to cover up, apply sunscreen, or get out of the sun.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Skin pigmentation plays a protective role against UV damage from the sun and helps to protect against sunburns and skin cancer. At the same time, higher amounts of skin pigmentation slows vitamin D production in the skin, leading to an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Since this can result in differing, whole-body health consequences based on the darkness of an individual\u2019s skin color, the need for a more individualized approach that considers skin type when making recommendations for sun exposure has become clear.<\/p>\n<h3>Watch a Short Video to Learn More About this Topic<\/h3>\n<p><iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/QL-WJgwAezo?si=sOmtVZzKEPRA3BYM\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>How to Determine Your Skin Type &amp; Sun Exposure Considerations<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Knowing your skin type is essential for personalizing your sun exposure.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of burns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D. For example, a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II.<\/p>\n<p>The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale is a widely used system that classifies skin based on how it responds to sunlight, specifically, how easily it burns and how well it tans.\u00a0 Originally developed by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, this scale helps guide safe sun exposure, skin cancer risk assessment, and how efficiently your body can produce vitamin D from sunlight.<\/p>\n<p>There are six skin types, ranging from very fair (Type I) to very dark (Type VI).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Type I \u2013 Very Fair<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Skin tone: Very pale, often with freckles<br \/>\nHair\/Eyes: Red or blonde hair, light eyes<br \/>\nSun response: Always burns, never tans<br \/>\nVitamin D considerations: Can produce vitamin D quickly, but has the highest risk of sunburn<br \/>\nGuidance: Very short, careful sun exposure<\/p>\n<p><strong>Type II \u2013 Fair<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Skin tone: Fair<br \/>\nHair\/Eyes: Light hair, light to medium eye<br \/>\nSun response: Burns easily, tans minimally<br \/>\nVitamin D considerations: Efficient vitamin D production, but still burn-prone<br \/>\nGuidance: Moderate caution; short exposures with gradual increase<\/p>\n<p><strong>Type III \u2013 Medium<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Skin tone: Light to medium (often described as \u201colive\u201d)<br \/>\nHair\/Eyes: Darker hair, varied eye color<br \/>\nSun response: May burn initially, then tans gradually<br \/>\nVitamin D considerations: Balanced\u2014moderate production with moderate burn risk<br \/>\nGuidance: Can tolerate longer exposure, but still avoid prolonged unprotected sun<\/p>\n<p><strong>Type IV \u2013 Olive\/Brown<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Skin tone: Olive or light brown<br \/>\nHair\/Eyes: Dark hair and eyes<br \/>\nSun response: Rarely burns, tans easily<br \/>\nVitamin D considerations: Requires longer sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D<br \/>\nGuidance: Lower burn risk, but still important to monitor duration and intensity<\/p>\n<p><strong>Type V \u2013 Brown<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Skin tone: Medium to dark brown<br \/>\nHair\/Eyes: Dark<br \/>\nSun response: Very rarely burns, tans deeply<br \/>\nVitamin D considerations: Reduced vitamin D production efficiency due to higher melanin<br \/>\nGuidance: Needs significantly more sun exposure to reach optimal vitamin D levels<\/p>\n<p><strong>Type VI \u2013 Deeply Pigmented<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Skin tone: Deeply pigmented (dark brown to black)<br \/>\nHair\/Eyes: Dark<br \/>\nSun response: Almost never burns<br \/>\nVitamin D considerations: Lowest efficiency of vitamin D production from sunlight<br \/>\nGuidance: Requires the longest sun exposure; higher risk of vitamin D deficiency despite sun availability<\/p>\n<p>The Fitzpatrick scale is shown below with the different skin types based on their response to UV radiation. The\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/skintype.ca\/skin-type-quiz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">skin type quiz<\/a>\u00a0can help you determine your type.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fitzpatrick-scale-updated.pdf\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8329 lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/fitzgerald-scale-updated.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/fitzgerald-scale-updated.png 1388w, https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/fitzgerald-scale-updated-270x300.png 270w, https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/fitzgerald-scale-updated-768x853.png 768w, https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/fitzgerald-scale-updated-922x1024.png 922w, https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/fitzgerald-scale-updated-260x289.png 260w\" alt=\"\" width=\"650\" height=\"722\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/fitzgerald-scale-updated.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/fitzgerald-scale-updated.png 1388w, https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/fitzgerald-scale-updated-270x300.png 270w, https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/fitzgerald-scale-updated-768x853.png 768w, https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/fitzgerald-scale-updated-922x1024.png 922w, https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/fitzgerald-scale-updated-260x289.png 260w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/fitzpatrick-scale-updated.pdf\">Click to Enlarge &amp; Print<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Updated, Evidence-Based Sun Exposure Recommendations by Skin Type<\/h3>\n<p>For decades, the general recommendation for everyone has been to avoid the sun, cover up, and apply sunscreen regularly. Certain authorities have been questioning this strategy, with some having updated their official recommendations while urging others to do the same:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In 2010, a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/news.cancerresearchuk.org\/2010\/12\/16\/joint-position-statement-issued-to-provide-vitamin-d-clarity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">joint position statement<\/a>\u00a0was issued in the UK by groups that included Cancer Research UK, British Association of Dermatologists, Diabetes UK, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Heart Forum, the National Osteoporosis Society and the Primary Care Dermatology Society; it urged people to \u201c\u2026enjoy the sun safely and take care not to burn, helping to ensure the benefits of vitamin D can be enjoyed without the risk of skin cancer being raised unnecessarily.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>In 2016, a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamadermatology\/article-abstract\/2661597\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">meeting<\/a>\u00a0sponsored by the US National Cancer Institute called for updated sun exposure guidelines based on individual risk factors, highlighting the beneficial effects of sun exposure, including vitamin D production and nitric oxide release, stating \u201cReducing risk for one disease should not come at the cost of increasing risk for another.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>In February, 2022, the World Health Organization hosted a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/events\/detail\/2022\/02\/17\/default-calendar\/webinar-striking-a-balance-harms-and-benefits-of-sun-exposure\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">webinar<\/a>, \u201cStriking a balance: harms and benefits of sun exposure,\u201d which discussed the benefits of sunshine exposure, most notably the production of vitamin D, with an emphasis on how the balance of benefits and harms differs by skin type.<\/li>\n<li>In March 2023, Australia became the first country to update their official sun exposure\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.assc.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Sun-Exposure-Summit-PositionStatement_V1.9.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">guidelines<\/a>\u00a0based on skin type, risk of skin cancer, and risk of vitamin D deficiency, recommending increased sun exposure for darker skinned people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cThese new recommendations on sun safety balance the positive effects of sunlight such as ultraviolet B radiation for vitamin D synthesis against the risks of skin cancer. Guidelines now reflect the ethnic diversity of the Australian population, with advice differing according to the individual risk of skin cancer based on skin pigmentation and history.\u201d Dr. Rebecca Mason<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>Key Concepts Upon which these Recommendations are Based<\/h3>\n<p>The key points from the Australian Position Statement released in 2023 were made into a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38350754\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">research paper<\/a>\u00a0and published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health in early 2024. \u00a0As it reports:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cThe balance of risks and benefits of sun exposure is not the same for everybody. For people at very high risk of skin cancer, the risks of exposure likely outweigh the benefits; sun protection is essential. Conversely, people with deeply pigmented skin are at low risk of skin cancer but at high risk of vitamin D deficiency; routine sun protection is not recommended. For those at intermediate risk of skin cancer, sun protection remains a priority, but individuals may obtain sufficient sun exposure to maintain adequate vitamin D status.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><em><strong>How much does skin cancer risk vary by skin type?<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0Individuals with very dark skin (a Fitzpatrick skin type of 5 or 6 \u2013 see below) have an extremely low risk of skin cancer. For example, in the United States, compared to non-Hispanic White men and women,\u00a0<strong>the incidence of melanoma is 30 times lower in Black men and 26 times lower in Black women<\/strong>. In fact, \u201cmelanin affords approximately 60-fold protection against DNA damage in the basal layer of Fitzpatrick type VI skin compared with type I and II skin.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of sunburns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D. For example,\u00a0<strong>a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cSun protection strategies must reflect the understanding that human skin pigmentation evolved to balance the negative and positive effects of sun exposure\u2026\u201d Geller et al. (2018)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>In summary:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Darkest skin colors = lower risk for skin cancer but higher risk of vitamin D deficiency = routine sun protection not recommended<\/li>\n<li>Lightest skin colors = higher tendency to burn, higher risk of skin cancer = sun protection is essential<\/li>\n<li>Those in between must find a balance between sufficient, sensible sun exposure, and sun protection<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Tips for Personalizing Your Sun Exposure Time to Make Vitamin D and Avoid Sunburn<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/dminder.ontometrics.com\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-3911 lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/dminder-on-phone-149x300.png\" sizes=\"(max-width: 149px) 100vw, 149px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/dminder-on-phone-149x300.png 149w, https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/dminder-on-phone.png 249w\" alt=\"\" width=\"149\" height=\"300\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/dminder-on-phone-149x300.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/dminder-on-phone-149x300.png 149w, https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/dminder-on-phone.png 249w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 149px) 100vw, 149px\" \/><\/a>Once you know your skin type, you can get a better idea of your overall risk for skin cancer and sunburn. The next step is to determine how much time you can expose your skin to sunlight\u00a0<strong>without burning<\/strong>; after that amount of time is when it is important to cover up, apply sunscreen, or get out of the sun.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Try the dminder App<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You can use tools such as the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/dminder.ontometrics.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">free dminder app<\/a>\u00a0to approximate how much time to spend in the sun without burning, and to estimate how much vitamin D you might be producing while in the sun.\u00a0 The dminder app is an excellent tool, as it takes into account not only latitude, season, and time of day but also weather conditions and skin type that affect vitamin D production and risk of sunburn.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Expose More Skin at a 90-degree Angle<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Greater amounts of vitamin D are made when more skin is exposed, especially the back and shoulders, as these contain the most surface areas on your body. It is better to expose more skin for less time to ensure you do not overexpose yourself and burn. Ideally, skin should be exposed to the sun on a 90-degree angle.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cPeople with darker skin and lower risk of skin cancer and a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency are advised to spend sufficient time outdoors with ample skin exposed when the UV Index is \u22653 to obtain a vitamin D-effective dose of UV radiation without sun protection.\u201d Dr. Rachel Neale<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><strong>Cover Up to Avoid Burning<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>To make vitamin D, the skin must be exposed to sunlight without sunscreen or clothing (along with several other factors,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/blog\/balancing-sun-safety-with-vitamin-d-production\/\">explained in detail here<\/a>).\u00a0<strong>Sunscreen blocks the UVB rays needed to produce vitamin D, and should be applied only after the exposure time allotted for making vitamin D.<\/strong>\u00a0Sunshine expert, Dr. Michael Holick, typically recommends covering up the sensitive parts of the skin (face, top of the hands, ears) but exposing the larger surfaces of the body (arms and legs), without sunscreen, for a reasonable amount of time and without burning to make vitamin D and the other biochemicals resulting from sunshine exposure before covering up or applying sun protection.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Allow Your Skin to Acclimate<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Whether or not you choose to use an app, it is important to allow skin to gradually acclimate to the sun, especially for those who spend a lot of time indoors, have lighter skin, after winter months, or during sun-seeking vacations. It is safer to increase exposure time gradually as this allows your skin to adapt to the sun\u2019s intensity while safely producing a tan. And, as a tan develops, it will allow for greater amounts of time in the sun with less risk of UV damage.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.grassrootshealth.net\/blog\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here to read more from GrassrootsHealth.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><i>SmartTan.com news articles regularly report medical and scientific information to keep you abreast of current events related to UV light. This information is not intended to be used by any party to make unwarranted health claims to promote sunbed usage. Indoor tanning businesses are obligated to communicate a fair and balanced message to all clients about your products and services including the potential risks associated with indoor tanning. Contact your Smart Tan representative to find out more about what you can and can\u2019t say in your tanning salon business.<\/i><\/p>\n<p><i>\u00a9 2026 International Smart Tan Network. All rights reserved.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From GrassrootsHealth Maximize benefits and reduce harms of sun exposure by understanding your skin type and following evidence-based recommendations for an individualized approach to sun exposure and protection Key Points In March 2023, Australia became the first country to provide updated guidelines for sun exposure based on skin type, risk of skin cancer, and risk [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":27762,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27759","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How Much Sun Is Right for You? It Starts With Your Skin Type - Smart Tan News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"From GrassrootsHealth Maximize benefits and reduce harms of sun exposure by understanding your skin type and following evidence-based recommendations for an individualized approach to sun exposure and protection   Key Points   In March 2023, Australia became the first country to provide updated guidelines for sun exposure based on skin type, risk of skin cancer, and risk of vitamin D deficiency, officially recommending increased sun exposure for darker skinned people  Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of sunburns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D, so that a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II  Once you know your skin type, you can get a better idea of your overall risk for skin cancer and sunburn. The next step is to determine how much time you can expose your skin to sunlight without burning; after that amount of time is when it is important to cover up, apply sunscreen, or get out of the sun.      Skin pigmentation plays a protective role against UV damage from the sun and helps to protect against sunburns and skin cancer. At the same time, higher amounts of skin pigmentation slows vitamin D production in the skin, leading to an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Since this can result in differing, whole-body health consequences based on the darkness of an individual\u2019s skin color, the need for a more individualized approach that considers skin type when making recommendations for sun exposure has become clear. Watch a Short Video to Learn More About this Topic     How to Determine Your Skin Type &amp; Sun Exposure Considerations Knowing your skin type is essential for personalizing your sun exposure.  Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of burns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D. For example, a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II.  The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale is a widely used system that classifies skin based on how it responds to sunlight, specifically, how easily it burns and how well it tans.\u00a0 Originally developed by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, this scale helps guide safe sun exposure, skin cancer risk assessment, and how efficiently your body can produce vitamin D from sunlight.  There are six skin types, ranging from very fair (Type I) to very dark (Type VI).  Type I \u2013 Very Fair  Skin tone: Very pale, often with freckles Hair\/Eyes: Red or blonde hair, light eyes Sun response: Always burns, never tans Vitamin D considerations: Can produce vitamin D quickly, but has the highest risk of sunburn Guidance: Very short, careful sun exposure  Type II \u2013 Fair  Skin tone: Fair Hair\/Eyes: Light hair, light to medium eye Sun response: Burns easily, tans minimally Vitamin D considerations: Efficient vitamin D production, but still burn-prone Guidance: Moderate caution; short exposures with gradual increase  Type III \u2013 Medium  Skin tone: Light to medium (often described as \u201colive\u201d) Hair\/Eyes: Darker hair, varied eye color Sun response: May burn initially, then tans gradually Vitamin D considerations: Balanced\u2014moderate production with moderate burn risk Guidance: Can tolerate longer exposure, but still avoid prolonged unprotected sun  Type IV \u2013 Olive\/Brown  Skin tone: Olive or light brown Hair\/Eyes: Dark hair and eyes Sun response: Rarely burns, tans easily Vitamin D considerations: Requires longer sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D Guidance: Lower burn risk, but still important to monitor duration and intensity  Type V \u2013 Brown  Skin tone: Medium to dark brown Hair\/Eyes: Dark Sun response: Very rarely burns, tans deeply Vitamin D considerations: Reduced vitamin D production efficiency due to higher melanin Guidance: Needs significantly more sun exposure to reach optimal vitamin D levels  Type VI \u2013 Deeply Pigmented  Skin tone: Deeply pigmented (dark brown to black) Hair\/Eyes: Dark Sun response: Almost never burns Vitamin D considerations: Lowest efficiency of vitamin D production from sunlight Guidance: Requires the longest sun exposure; higher risk of vitamin D deficiency despite sun availability  The Fitzpatrick scale is shown below with the different skin types based on their response to UV radiation. The\u00a0skin type quiz\u00a0can help you determine your type.    Click to Enlarge &amp; Print Updated, Evidence-Based Sun Exposure Recommendations by Skin Type For decades, the general recommendation for everyone has been to avoid the sun, cover up, and apply sunscreen regularly. Certain authorities have been questioning this strategy, with some having updated their official recommendations while urging others to do the same:   In 2010, a\u00a0joint position statement\u00a0was issued in the UK by groups that included Cancer Research UK, British Association of Dermatologists, Diabetes UK, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Heart Forum, the National Osteoporosis Society and the Primary Care Dermatology Society; it urged people to \u201c\u2026enjoy the sun safely and take care not to burn, helping to ensure the benefits of vitamin D can be enjoyed without the risk of skin cancer being raised unnecessarily.\u201d  In 2016, a\u00a0meeting\u00a0sponsored by the US National Cancer Institute called for updated sun exposure guidelines based on individual risk factors, highlighting the beneficial effects of sun exposure, including vitamin D production and nitric oxide release, stating \u201cReducing risk for one disease should not come at the cost of increasing risk for another.\u201d  In February, 2022, the World Health Organization hosted a\u00a0webinar, \u201cStriking a balance: harms and benefits of sun exposure,\u201d which discussed the benefits of sunshine exposure, most notably the production of vitamin D, with an emphasis on how the balance of benefits and harms differs by skin type.  In March 2023, Australia became the first country to update their official sun exposure\u00a0guidelines\u00a0based on skin type, risk of skin cancer, and risk of vitamin D deficiency, recommending increased sun exposure for darker skinned people.  \u201cThese new recommendations on sun safety balance the positive effects of sunlight such as ultraviolet B radiation for vitamin D synthesis against the risks of skin cancer. Guidelines now reflect the ethnic diversity of the Australian population, with advice differing according to the individual risk of skin cancer based on skin pigmentation and history.\u201d Dr. Rebecca Mason Key Concepts Upon which these Recommendations are Based The key points from the Australian Position Statement released in 2023 were made into a\u00a0research paper\u00a0and published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health in early 2024. \u00a0As it reports: \u201cThe balance of risks and benefits of sun exposure is not the same for everybody. For people at very high risk of skin cancer, the risks of exposure likely outweigh the benefits; sun protection is essential. Conversely, people with deeply pigmented skin are at low risk of skin cancer but at high risk of vitamin D deficiency; routine sun protection is not recommended. For those at intermediate risk of skin cancer, sun protection remains a priority, but individuals may obtain sufficient sun exposure to maintain adequate vitamin D status.\u201d How much does skin cancer risk vary by skin type?\u00a0Individuals with very dark skin (a Fitzpatrick skin type of 5 or 6 \u2013 see below) have an extremely low risk of skin cancer. For example, in the United States, compared to non-Hispanic White men and women,\u00a0the incidence of melanoma is 30 times lower in Black men and 26 times lower in Black women. In fact, \u201cmelanin affords approximately 60-fold protection against DNA damage in the basal layer of Fitzpatrick type VI skin compared with type I and II skin.\u201d  Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of sunburns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D. For example,\u00a0a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II. \u201cSun protection strategies must reflect the understanding that human skin pigmentation evolved to balance the negative and positive effects of sun exposure\u2026\u201d Geller et al. (2018) In summary:   Darkest skin colors = lower risk for skin cancer but higher risk of vitamin D deficiency = routine sun protection not recommended  Lightest skin colors = higher tendency to burn, higher risk of skin cancer = sun protection is essential  Those in between must find a balance between sufficient, sensible sun exposure, and sun protection  Tips for Personalizing Your Sun Exposure Time to Make Vitamin D and Avoid Sunburn Once you know your skin type, you can get a better idea of your overall risk for skin cancer and sunburn. The next step is to determine how much time you can expose your skin to sunlight\u00a0without burning; after that amount of time is when it is important to cover up, apply sunscreen, or get out of the sun.  Try the dminder App  You can use tools such as the\u00a0free dminder app\u00a0to approximate how much time to spend in the sun without burning, and to estimate how much vitamin D you might be producing while in the sun.\u00a0 The dminder app is an excellent tool, as it takes into account not only latitude, season, and time of day but also weather conditions and skin type that affect vitamin D production and risk of sunburn.  Expose More Skin at a 90-degree Angle  Greater amounts of vitamin D are made when more skin is exposed, especially the back and shoulders, as these contain the most surface areas on your body. It is better to expose more skin for less time to ensure you do not overexpose yourself and burn. Ideally, skin should be exposed to the sun on a 90-degree angle. \u201cPeople with darker skin and lower risk of skin cancer and a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency are advised to spend sufficient time outdoors with ample skin exposed when the UV Index is \u22653 to obtain a vitamin D-effective dose of UV radiation without sun protection.\u201d Dr. Rachel Neale Cover Up to Avoid Burning  To make vitamin D, the skin must be exposed to sunlight without sunscreen or clothing (along with several other factors,\u00a0explained in detail here).\u00a0Sunscreen blocks the UVB rays needed to produce vitamin D, and should be applied only after the exposure time allotted for making vitamin D.\u00a0Sunshine expert, Dr. Michael Holick, typically recommends covering up the sensitive parts of the skin (face, top of the hands, ears) but exposing the larger surfaces of the body (arms and legs), without sunscreen, for a reasonable amount of time and without burning to make vitamin D and the other biochemicals resulting from sunshine exposure before covering up or applying sun protection.  Allow Your Skin to Acclimate  Whether or not you choose to use an app, it is important to allow skin to gradually acclimate to the sun, especially for those who spend a lot of time indoors, have lighter skin, after winter months, or during sun-seeking vacations. It is safer to increase exposure time gradually as this allows your skin to adapt to the sun\u2019s intensity while safely producing a tan. And, as a tan develops, it will allow for greater amounts of time in the sun with less risk of UV damage.  Click here to read more from GrassrootsHealth.   SmartTan.com news articles regularly report medical and scientific information to keep you abreast of current events related to UV light. This information is not intended to be used by any party to make unwarranted health claims to promote sunbed usage. Indoor tanning businesses are obligated to communicate a fair and balanced message to all clients about your products and services including the potential risks associated with indoor tanning. Contact your Smart Tan representative to find out more about what you can and can\u2019t say in your tanning salon business.  \u00a9 2026 International Smart Tan Network. All rights reserved.  &nbsp;\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/index.php\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How Much Sun Is Right for You? It Starts With Your Skin Type - Smart Tan News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"From GrassrootsHealth Maximize benefits and reduce harms of sun exposure by understanding your skin type and following evidence-based recommendations for an individualized approach to sun exposure and protection   Key Points   In March 2023, Australia became the first country to provide updated guidelines for sun exposure based on skin type, risk of skin cancer, and risk of vitamin D deficiency, officially recommending increased sun exposure for darker skinned people  Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of sunburns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D, so that a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II  Once you know your skin type, you can get a better idea of your overall risk for skin cancer and sunburn. The next step is to determine how much time you can expose your skin to sunlight without burning; after that amount of time is when it is important to cover up, apply sunscreen, or get out of the sun.      Skin pigmentation plays a protective role against UV damage from the sun and helps to protect against sunburns and skin cancer. At the same time, higher amounts of skin pigmentation slows vitamin D production in the skin, leading to an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Since this can result in differing, whole-body health consequences based on the darkness of an individual\u2019s skin color, the need for a more individualized approach that considers skin type when making recommendations for sun exposure has become clear. Watch a Short Video to Learn More About this Topic     How to Determine Your Skin Type &amp; Sun Exposure Considerations Knowing your skin type is essential for personalizing your sun exposure.  Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of burns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D. For example, a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II.  The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale is a widely used system that classifies skin based on how it responds to sunlight, specifically, how easily it burns and how well it tans.\u00a0 Originally developed by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, this scale helps guide safe sun exposure, skin cancer risk assessment, and how efficiently your body can produce vitamin D from sunlight.  There are six skin types, ranging from very fair (Type I) to very dark (Type VI).  Type I \u2013 Very Fair  Skin tone: Very pale, often with freckles Hair\/Eyes: Red or blonde hair, light eyes Sun response: Always burns, never tans Vitamin D considerations: Can produce vitamin D quickly, but has the highest risk of sunburn Guidance: Very short, careful sun exposure  Type II \u2013 Fair  Skin tone: Fair Hair\/Eyes: Light hair, light to medium eye Sun response: Burns easily, tans minimally Vitamin D considerations: Efficient vitamin D production, but still burn-prone Guidance: Moderate caution; short exposures with gradual increase  Type III \u2013 Medium  Skin tone: Light to medium (often described as \u201colive\u201d) Hair\/Eyes: Darker hair, varied eye color Sun response: May burn initially, then tans gradually Vitamin D considerations: Balanced\u2014moderate production with moderate burn risk Guidance: Can tolerate longer exposure, but still avoid prolonged unprotected sun  Type IV \u2013 Olive\/Brown  Skin tone: Olive or light brown Hair\/Eyes: Dark hair and eyes Sun response: Rarely burns, tans easily Vitamin D considerations: Requires longer sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D Guidance: Lower burn risk, but still important to monitor duration and intensity  Type V \u2013 Brown  Skin tone: Medium to dark brown Hair\/Eyes: Dark Sun response: Very rarely burns, tans deeply Vitamin D considerations: Reduced vitamin D production efficiency due to higher melanin Guidance: Needs significantly more sun exposure to reach optimal vitamin D levels  Type VI \u2013 Deeply Pigmented  Skin tone: Deeply pigmented (dark brown to black) Hair\/Eyes: Dark Sun response: Almost never burns Vitamin D considerations: Lowest efficiency of vitamin D production from sunlight Guidance: Requires the longest sun exposure; higher risk of vitamin D deficiency despite sun availability  The Fitzpatrick scale is shown below with the different skin types based on their response to UV radiation. The\u00a0skin type quiz\u00a0can help you determine your type.    Click to Enlarge &amp; Print Updated, Evidence-Based Sun Exposure Recommendations by Skin Type For decades, the general recommendation for everyone has been to avoid the sun, cover up, and apply sunscreen regularly. Certain authorities have been questioning this strategy, with some having updated their official recommendations while urging others to do the same:   In 2010, a\u00a0joint position statement\u00a0was issued in the UK by groups that included Cancer Research UK, British Association of Dermatologists, Diabetes UK, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Heart Forum, the National Osteoporosis Society and the Primary Care Dermatology Society; it urged people to \u201c\u2026enjoy the sun safely and take care not to burn, helping to ensure the benefits of vitamin D can be enjoyed without the risk of skin cancer being raised unnecessarily.\u201d  In 2016, a\u00a0meeting\u00a0sponsored by the US National Cancer Institute called for updated sun exposure guidelines based on individual risk factors, highlighting the beneficial effects of sun exposure, including vitamin D production and nitric oxide release, stating \u201cReducing risk for one disease should not come at the cost of increasing risk for another.\u201d  In February, 2022, the World Health Organization hosted a\u00a0webinar, \u201cStriking a balance: harms and benefits of sun exposure,\u201d which discussed the benefits of sunshine exposure, most notably the production of vitamin D, with an emphasis on how the balance of benefits and harms differs by skin type.  In March 2023, Australia became the first country to update their official sun exposure\u00a0guidelines\u00a0based on skin type, risk of skin cancer, and risk of vitamin D deficiency, recommending increased sun exposure for darker skinned people.  \u201cThese new recommendations on sun safety balance the positive effects of sunlight such as ultraviolet B radiation for vitamin D synthesis against the risks of skin cancer. Guidelines now reflect the ethnic diversity of the Australian population, with advice differing according to the individual risk of skin cancer based on skin pigmentation and history.\u201d Dr. Rebecca Mason Key Concepts Upon which these Recommendations are Based The key points from the Australian Position Statement released in 2023 were made into a\u00a0research paper\u00a0and published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health in early 2024. \u00a0As it reports: \u201cThe balance of risks and benefits of sun exposure is not the same for everybody. For people at very high risk of skin cancer, the risks of exposure likely outweigh the benefits; sun protection is essential. Conversely, people with deeply pigmented skin are at low risk of skin cancer but at high risk of vitamin D deficiency; routine sun protection is not recommended. For those at intermediate risk of skin cancer, sun protection remains a priority, but individuals may obtain sufficient sun exposure to maintain adequate vitamin D status.\u201d How much does skin cancer risk vary by skin type?\u00a0Individuals with very dark skin (a Fitzpatrick skin type of 5 or 6 \u2013 see below) have an extremely low risk of skin cancer. For example, in the United States, compared to non-Hispanic White men and women,\u00a0the incidence of melanoma is 30 times lower in Black men and 26 times lower in Black women. In fact, \u201cmelanin affords approximately 60-fold protection against DNA damage in the basal layer of Fitzpatrick type VI skin compared with type I and II skin.\u201d  Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of sunburns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D. For example,\u00a0a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II. \u201cSun protection strategies must reflect the understanding that human skin pigmentation evolved to balance the negative and positive effects of sun exposure\u2026\u201d Geller et al. (2018) In summary:   Darkest skin colors = lower risk for skin cancer but higher risk of vitamin D deficiency = routine sun protection not recommended  Lightest skin colors = higher tendency to burn, higher risk of skin cancer = sun protection is essential  Those in between must find a balance between sufficient, sensible sun exposure, and sun protection  Tips for Personalizing Your Sun Exposure Time to Make Vitamin D and Avoid Sunburn Once you know your skin type, you can get a better idea of your overall risk for skin cancer and sunburn. The next step is to determine how much time you can expose your skin to sunlight\u00a0without burning; after that amount of time is when it is important to cover up, apply sunscreen, or get out of the sun.  Try the dminder App  You can use tools such as the\u00a0free dminder app\u00a0to approximate how much time to spend in the sun without burning, and to estimate how much vitamin D you might be producing while in the sun.\u00a0 The dminder app is an excellent tool, as it takes into account not only latitude, season, and time of day but also weather conditions and skin type that affect vitamin D production and risk of sunburn.  Expose More Skin at a 90-degree Angle  Greater amounts of vitamin D are made when more skin is exposed, especially the back and shoulders, as these contain the most surface areas on your body. It is better to expose more skin for less time to ensure you do not overexpose yourself and burn. Ideally, skin should be exposed to the sun on a 90-degree angle. \u201cPeople with darker skin and lower risk of skin cancer and a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency are advised to spend sufficient time outdoors with ample skin exposed when the UV Index is \u22653 to obtain a vitamin D-effective dose of UV radiation without sun protection.\u201d Dr. Rachel Neale Cover Up to Avoid Burning  To make vitamin D, the skin must be exposed to sunlight without sunscreen or clothing (along with several other factors,\u00a0explained in detail here).\u00a0Sunscreen blocks the UVB rays needed to produce vitamin D, and should be applied only after the exposure time allotted for making vitamin D.\u00a0Sunshine expert, Dr. Michael Holick, typically recommends covering up the sensitive parts of the skin (face, top of the hands, ears) but exposing the larger surfaces of the body (arms and legs), without sunscreen, for a reasonable amount of time and without burning to make vitamin D and the other biochemicals resulting from sunshine exposure before covering up or applying sun protection.  Allow Your Skin to Acclimate  Whether or not you choose to use an app, it is important to allow skin to gradually acclimate to the sun, especially for those who spend a lot of time indoors, have lighter skin, after winter months, or during sun-seeking vacations. It is safer to increase exposure time gradually as this allows your skin to adapt to the sun\u2019s intensity while safely producing a tan. And, as a tan develops, it will allow for greater amounts of time in the sun with less risk of UV damage.  Click here to read more from GrassrootsHealth.   SmartTan.com news articles regularly report medical and scientific information to keep you abreast of current events related to UV light. This information is not intended to be used by any party to make unwarranted health claims to promote sunbed usage. Indoor tanning businesses are obligated to communicate a fair and balanced message to all clients about your products and services including the potential risks associated with indoor tanning. Contact your Smart Tan representative to find out more about what you can and can\u2019t say in your tanning salon business.  \u00a9 2026 International Smart Tan Network. All rights reserved.  &nbsp;\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/index.php\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Smart Tan News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SmartTan\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-05-07T13:21:59+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Skin-Type-5-7-26.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1184\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"640\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"smarttannews\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@SmartTan\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@SmartTan\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"smarttannews\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/index.php\\\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/index.php\\\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"smarttannews\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/722dc7049af55e0ed743d67ce9ed4819\"},\"headline\":\"How Much Sun Is Right for You? It Starts With Your Skin Type\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-07T13:21:59+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/index.php\\\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2017,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/index.php\\\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/Skin-Type-5-7-26.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"News\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/index.php\\\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/index.php\\\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\\\/\",\"name\":\"How Much Sun Is Right for You? It Starts With Your Skin Type - Smart Tan News\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/index.php\\\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/index.php\\\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/Skin-Type-5-7-26.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-07T13:21:59+00:00\",\"description\":\"From GrassrootsHealth Maximize benefits and reduce harms of sun exposure by understanding your skin type and following evidence-based recommendations for an individualized approach to sun exposure and protection Key Points In March 2023, Australia became the first country to provide updated guidelines for sun exposure based on skin type, risk of skin cancer, and risk of vitamin D deficiency, officially recommending increased sun exposure for darker skinned people Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of sunburns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D, so that a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II Once you know your skin type, you can get a better idea of your overall risk for skin cancer and sunburn. The next step is to determine how much time you can expose your skin to sunlight without burning; after that amount of time is when it is important to cover up, apply sunscreen, or get out of the sun. Skin pigmentation plays a protective role against UV damage from the sun and helps to protect against sunburns and skin cancer. At the same time, higher amounts of skin pigmentation slows vitamin D production in the skin, leading to an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Since this can result in differing, whole-body health consequences based on the darkness of an individual\u2019s skin color, the need for a more individualized approach that considers skin type when making recommendations for sun exposure has become clear. Watch a Short Video to Learn More About this Topic How to Determine Your Skin Type &amp; Sun Exposure Considerations Knowing your skin type is essential for personalizing your sun exposure. Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of burns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D. For example, a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II. The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale is a widely used system that classifies skin based on how it responds to sunlight, specifically, how easily it burns and how well it tans.\u00a0 Originally developed by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, this scale helps guide safe sun exposure, skin cancer risk assessment, and how efficiently your body can produce vitamin D from sunlight. There are six skin types, ranging from very fair (Type I) to very dark (Type VI). Type I \u2013 Very Fair Skin tone: Very pale, often with freckles Hair\\\/Eyes: Red or blonde hair, light eyes Sun response: Always burns, never tans Vitamin D considerations: Can produce vitamin D quickly, but has the highest risk of sunburn Guidance: Very short, careful sun exposure Type II \u2013 Fair Skin tone: Fair Hair\\\/Eyes: Light hair, light to medium eye Sun response: Burns easily, tans minimally Vitamin D considerations: Efficient vitamin D production, but still burn-prone Guidance: Moderate caution; short exposures with gradual increase Type III \u2013 Medium Skin tone: Light to medium (often described as \u201colive\u201d) Hair\\\/Eyes: Darker hair, varied eye color Sun response: May burn initially, then tans gradually Vitamin D considerations: Balanced\u2014moderate production with moderate burn risk Guidance: Can tolerate longer exposure, but still avoid prolonged unprotected sun Type IV \u2013 Olive\\\/Brown Skin tone: Olive or light brown Hair\\\/Eyes: Dark hair and eyes Sun response: Rarely burns, tans easily Vitamin D considerations: Requires longer sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D Guidance: Lower burn risk, but still important to monitor duration and intensity Type V \u2013 Brown Skin tone: Medium to dark brown Hair\\\/Eyes: Dark Sun response: Very rarely burns, tans deeply Vitamin D considerations: Reduced vitamin D production efficiency due to higher melanin Guidance: Needs significantly more sun exposure to reach optimal vitamin D levels Type VI \u2013 Deeply Pigmented Skin tone: Deeply pigmented (dark brown to black) Hair\\\/Eyes: Dark Sun response: Almost never burns Vitamin D considerations: Lowest efficiency of vitamin D production from sunlight Guidance: Requires the longest sun exposure; higher risk of vitamin D deficiency despite sun availability The Fitzpatrick scale is shown below with the different skin types based on their response to UV radiation. The\u00a0skin type quiz\u00a0can help you determine your type. Click to Enlarge &amp; Print Updated, Evidence-Based Sun Exposure Recommendations by Skin Type For decades, the general recommendation for everyone has been to avoid the sun, cover up, and apply sunscreen regularly. Certain authorities have been questioning this strategy, with some having updated their official recommendations while urging others to do the same: In 2010, a\u00a0joint position statement\u00a0was issued in the UK by groups that included Cancer Research UK, British Association of Dermatologists, Diabetes UK, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Heart Forum, the National Osteoporosis Society and the Primary Care Dermatology Society; it urged people to \u201c\u2026enjoy the sun safely and take care not to burn, helping to ensure the benefits of vitamin D can be enjoyed without the risk of skin cancer being raised unnecessarily.\u201d In 2016, a\u00a0meeting\u00a0sponsored by the US National Cancer Institute called for updated sun exposure guidelines based on individual risk factors, highlighting the beneficial effects of sun exposure, including vitamin D production and nitric oxide release, stating \u201cReducing risk for one disease should not come at the cost of increasing risk for another.\u201d In February, 2022, the World Health Organization hosted a\u00a0webinar, \u201cStriking a balance: harms and benefits of sun exposure,\u201d which discussed the benefits of sunshine exposure, most notably the production of vitamin D, with an emphasis on how the balance of benefits and harms differs by skin type. In March 2023, Australia became the first country to update their official sun exposure\u00a0guidelines\u00a0based on skin type, risk of skin cancer, and risk of vitamin D deficiency, recommending increased sun exposure for darker skinned people. \u201cThese new recommendations on sun safety balance the positive effects of sunlight such as ultraviolet B radiation for vitamin D synthesis against the risks of skin cancer. Guidelines now reflect the ethnic diversity of the Australian population, with advice differing according to the individual risk of skin cancer based on skin pigmentation and history.\u201d Dr. Rebecca Mason Key Concepts Upon which these Recommendations are Based The key points from the Australian Position Statement released in 2023 were made into a\u00a0research paper\u00a0and published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health in early 2024. \u00a0As it reports: \u201cThe balance of risks and benefits of sun exposure is not the same for everybody. For people at very high risk of skin cancer, the risks of exposure likely outweigh the benefits; sun protection is essential. Conversely, people with deeply pigmented skin are at low risk of skin cancer but at high risk of vitamin D deficiency; routine sun protection is not recommended. For those at intermediate risk of skin cancer, sun protection remains a priority, but individuals may obtain sufficient sun exposure to maintain adequate vitamin D status.\u201d How much does skin cancer risk vary by skin type?\u00a0Individuals with very dark skin (a Fitzpatrick skin type of 5 or 6 \u2013 see below) have an extremely low risk of skin cancer. For example, in the United States, compared to non-Hispanic White men and women,\u00a0the incidence of melanoma is 30 times lower in Black men and 26 times lower in Black women. In fact, \u201cmelanin affords approximately 60-fold protection against DNA damage in the basal layer of Fitzpatrick type VI skin compared with type I and II skin.\u201d Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of sunburns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D. For example,\u00a0a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II. \u201cSun protection strategies must reflect the understanding that human skin pigmentation evolved to balance the negative and positive effects of sun exposure\u2026\u201d Geller et al. (2018) In summary: Darkest skin colors = lower risk for skin cancer but higher risk of vitamin D deficiency = routine sun protection not recommended Lightest skin colors = higher tendency to burn, higher risk of skin cancer = sun protection is essential Those in between must find a balance between sufficient, sensible sun exposure, and sun protection Tips for Personalizing Your Sun Exposure Time to Make Vitamin D and Avoid Sunburn Once you know your skin type, you can get a better idea of your overall risk for skin cancer and sunburn. The next step is to determine how much time you can expose your skin to sunlight\u00a0without burning; after that amount of time is when it is important to cover up, apply sunscreen, or get out of the sun. Try the dminder App You can use tools such as the\u00a0free dminder app\u00a0to approximate how much time to spend in the sun without burning, and to estimate how much vitamin D you might be producing while in the sun.\u00a0 The dminder app is an excellent tool, as it takes into account not only latitude, season, and time of day but also weather conditions and skin type that affect vitamin D production and risk of sunburn. Expose More Skin at a 90-degree Angle Greater amounts of vitamin D are made when more skin is exposed, especially the back and shoulders, as these contain the most surface areas on your body. It is better to expose more skin for less time to ensure you do not overexpose yourself and burn. Ideally, skin should be exposed to the sun on a 90-degree angle. \u201cPeople with darker skin and lower risk of skin cancer and a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency are advised to spend sufficient time outdoors with ample skin exposed when the UV Index is \u22653 to obtain a vitamin D-effective dose of UV radiation without sun protection.\u201d Dr. Rachel Neale Cover Up to Avoid Burning To make vitamin D, the skin must be exposed to sunlight without sunscreen or clothing (along with several other factors,\u00a0explained in detail here).\u00a0Sunscreen blocks the UVB rays needed to produce vitamin D, and should be applied only after the exposure time allotted for making vitamin D.\u00a0Sunshine expert, Dr. Michael Holick, typically recommends covering up the sensitive parts of the skin (face, top of the hands, ears) but exposing the larger surfaces of the body (arms and legs), without sunscreen, for a reasonable amount of time and without burning to make vitamin D and the other biochemicals resulting from sunshine exposure before covering up or applying sun protection. Allow Your Skin to Acclimate Whether or not you choose to use an app, it is important to allow skin to gradually acclimate to the sun, especially for those who spend a lot of time indoors, have lighter skin, after winter months, or during sun-seeking vacations. It is safer to increase exposure time gradually as this allows your skin to adapt to the sun\u2019s intensity while safely producing a tan. And, as a tan develops, it will allow for greater amounts of time in the sun with less risk of UV damage. Click here to read more from GrassrootsHealth. SmartTan.com news articles regularly report medical and scientific information to keep you abreast of current events related to UV light. This information is not intended to be used by any party to make unwarranted health claims to promote sunbed usage. Indoor tanning businesses are obligated to communicate a fair and balanced message to all clients about your products and services including the potential risks associated with indoor tanning. Contact your Smart Tan representative to find out more about what you can and can\u2019t say in your tanning salon business. \u00a9 2026 International Smart Tan Network. All rights reserved. &nbsp;\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/index.php\\\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/index.php\\\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/index.php\\\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/Skin-Type-5-7-26.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/news.smarttan.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/Skin-Type-5-7-26.jpg\",\"width\":1184,\"height\":640,\"caption\":\"Diversity. Set Of Mixed Race People Portraits Smiling To Camera On Different Colorful Backgrounds. 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It Starts With Your Skin Type - Smart Tan News","description":"From GrassrootsHealth Maximize benefits and reduce harms of sun exposure by understanding your skin type and following evidence-based recommendations for an individualized approach to sun exposure and protection   Key Points   In March 2023, Australia became the first country to provide updated guidelines for sun exposure based on skin type, risk of skin cancer, and risk of vitamin D deficiency, officially recommending increased sun exposure for darker skinned people  Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of sunburns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D, so that a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II  Once you know your skin type, you can get a better idea of your overall risk for skin cancer and sunburn. The next step is to determine how much time you can expose your skin to sunlight without burning; after that amount of time is when it is important to cover up, apply sunscreen, or get out of the sun.      Skin pigmentation plays a protective role against UV damage from the sun and helps to protect against sunburns and skin cancer. At the same time, higher amounts of skin pigmentation slows vitamin D production in the skin, leading to an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Since this can result in differing, whole-body health consequences based on the darkness of an individual\u2019s skin color, the need for a more individualized approach that considers skin type when making recommendations for sun exposure has become clear. Watch a Short Video to Learn More About this Topic     How to Determine Your Skin Type &amp; Sun Exposure Considerations Knowing your skin type is essential for personalizing your sun exposure.  Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of burns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D. For example, a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II.  The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale is a widely used system that classifies skin based on how it responds to sunlight, specifically, how easily it burns and how well it tans.\u00a0 Originally developed by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, this scale helps guide safe sun exposure, skin cancer risk assessment, and how efficiently your body can produce vitamin D from sunlight.  There are six skin types, ranging from very fair (Type I) to very dark (Type VI).  Type I \u2013 Very Fair  Skin tone: Very pale, often with freckles Hair\/Eyes: Red or blonde hair, light eyes Sun response: Always burns, never tans Vitamin D considerations: Can produce vitamin D quickly, but has the highest risk of sunburn Guidance: Very short, careful sun exposure  Type II \u2013 Fair  Skin tone: Fair Hair\/Eyes: Light hair, light to medium eye Sun response: Burns easily, tans minimally Vitamin D considerations: Efficient vitamin D production, but still burn-prone Guidance: Moderate caution; short exposures with gradual increase  Type III \u2013 Medium  Skin tone: Light to medium (often described as \u201colive\u201d) Hair\/Eyes: Darker hair, varied eye color Sun response: May burn initially, then tans gradually Vitamin D considerations: Balanced\u2014moderate production with moderate burn risk Guidance: Can tolerate longer exposure, but still avoid prolonged unprotected sun  Type IV \u2013 Olive\/Brown  Skin tone: Olive or light brown Hair\/Eyes: Dark hair and eyes Sun response: Rarely burns, tans easily Vitamin D considerations: Requires longer sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D Guidance: Lower burn risk, but still important to monitor duration and intensity  Type V \u2013 Brown  Skin tone: Medium to dark brown Hair\/Eyes: Dark Sun response: Very rarely burns, tans deeply Vitamin D considerations: Reduced vitamin D production efficiency due to higher melanin Guidance: Needs significantly more sun exposure to reach optimal vitamin D levels  Type VI \u2013 Deeply Pigmented  Skin tone: Deeply pigmented (dark brown to black) Hair\/Eyes: Dark Sun response: Almost never burns Vitamin D considerations: Lowest efficiency of vitamin D production from sunlight Guidance: Requires the longest sun exposure; higher risk of vitamin D deficiency despite sun availability  The Fitzpatrick scale is shown below with the different skin types based on their response to UV radiation. The\u00a0skin type quiz\u00a0can help you determine your type.    Click to Enlarge &amp; Print Updated, Evidence-Based Sun Exposure Recommendations by Skin Type For decades, the general recommendation for everyone has been to avoid the sun, cover up, and apply sunscreen regularly. Certain authorities have been questioning this strategy, with some having updated their official recommendations while urging others to do the same:   In 2010, a\u00a0joint position statement\u00a0was issued in the UK by groups that included Cancer Research UK, British Association of Dermatologists, Diabetes UK, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Heart Forum, the National Osteoporosis Society and the Primary Care Dermatology Society; it urged people to \u201c\u2026enjoy the sun safely and take care not to burn, helping to ensure the benefits of vitamin D can be enjoyed without the risk of skin cancer being raised unnecessarily.\u201d  In 2016, a\u00a0meeting\u00a0sponsored by the US National Cancer Institute called for updated sun exposure guidelines based on individual risk factors, highlighting the beneficial effects of sun exposure, including vitamin D production and nitric oxide release, stating \u201cReducing risk for one disease should not come at the cost of increasing risk for another.\u201d  In February, 2022, the World Health Organization hosted a\u00a0webinar, \u201cStriking a balance: harms and benefits of sun exposure,\u201d which discussed the benefits of sunshine exposure, most notably the production of vitamin D, with an emphasis on how the balance of benefits and harms differs by skin type.  In March 2023, Australia became the first country to update their official sun exposure\u00a0guidelines\u00a0based on skin type, risk of skin cancer, and risk of vitamin D deficiency, recommending increased sun exposure for darker skinned people.  \u201cThese new recommendations on sun safety balance the positive effects of sunlight such as ultraviolet B radiation for vitamin D synthesis against the risks of skin cancer. Guidelines now reflect the ethnic diversity of the Australian population, with advice differing according to the individual risk of skin cancer based on skin pigmentation and history.\u201d Dr. Rebecca Mason Key Concepts Upon which these Recommendations are Based The key points from the Australian Position Statement released in 2023 were made into a\u00a0research paper\u00a0and published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health in early 2024. \u00a0As it reports: \u201cThe balance of risks and benefits of sun exposure is not the same for everybody. For people at very high risk of skin cancer, the risks of exposure likely outweigh the benefits; sun protection is essential. Conversely, people with deeply pigmented skin are at low risk of skin cancer but at high risk of vitamin D deficiency; routine sun protection is not recommended. For those at intermediate risk of skin cancer, sun protection remains a priority, but individuals may obtain sufficient sun exposure to maintain adequate vitamin D status.\u201d How much does skin cancer risk vary by skin type?\u00a0Individuals with very dark skin (a Fitzpatrick skin type of 5 or 6 \u2013 see below) have an extremely low risk of skin cancer. For example, in the United States, compared to non-Hispanic White men and women,\u00a0the incidence of melanoma is 30 times lower in Black men and 26 times lower in Black women. In fact, \u201cmelanin affords approximately 60-fold protection against DNA damage in the basal layer of Fitzpatrick type VI skin compared with type I and II skin.\u201d  Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of sunburns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D. For example,\u00a0a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II. \u201cSun protection strategies must reflect the understanding that human skin pigmentation evolved to balance the negative and positive effects of sun exposure\u2026\u201d Geller et al. (2018) In summary:   Darkest skin colors = lower risk for skin cancer but higher risk of vitamin D deficiency = routine sun protection not recommended  Lightest skin colors = higher tendency to burn, higher risk of skin cancer = sun protection is essential  Those in between must find a balance between sufficient, sensible sun exposure, and sun protection  Tips for Personalizing Your Sun Exposure Time to Make Vitamin D and Avoid Sunburn Once you know your skin type, you can get a better idea of your overall risk for skin cancer and sunburn. The next step is to determine how much time you can expose your skin to sunlight\u00a0without burning; after that amount of time is when it is important to cover up, apply sunscreen, or get out of the sun.  Try the dminder App  You can use tools such as the\u00a0free dminder app\u00a0to approximate how much time to spend in the sun without burning, and to estimate how much vitamin D you might be producing while in the sun.\u00a0 The dminder app is an excellent tool, as it takes into account not only latitude, season, and time of day but also weather conditions and skin type that affect vitamin D production and risk of sunburn.  Expose More Skin at a 90-degree Angle  Greater amounts of vitamin D are made when more skin is exposed, especially the back and shoulders, as these contain the most surface areas on your body. It is better to expose more skin for less time to ensure you do not overexpose yourself and burn. Ideally, skin should be exposed to the sun on a 90-degree angle. \u201cPeople with darker skin and lower risk of skin cancer and a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency are advised to spend sufficient time outdoors with ample skin exposed when the UV Index is \u22653 to obtain a vitamin D-effective dose of UV radiation without sun protection.\u201d Dr. Rachel Neale Cover Up to Avoid Burning  To make vitamin D, the skin must be exposed to sunlight without sunscreen or clothing (along with several other factors,\u00a0explained in detail here).\u00a0Sunscreen blocks the UVB rays needed to produce vitamin D, and should be applied only after the exposure time allotted for making vitamin D.\u00a0Sunshine expert, Dr. Michael Holick, typically recommends covering up the sensitive parts of the skin (face, top of the hands, ears) but exposing the larger surfaces of the body (arms and legs), without sunscreen, for a reasonable amount of time and without burning to make vitamin D and the other biochemicals resulting from sunshine exposure before covering up or applying sun protection.  Allow Your Skin to Acclimate  Whether or not you choose to use an app, it is important to allow skin to gradually acclimate to the sun, especially for those who spend a lot of time indoors, have lighter skin, after winter months, or during sun-seeking vacations. It is safer to increase exposure time gradually as this allows your skin to adapt to the sun\u2019s intensity while safely producing a tan. And, as a tan develops, it will allow for greater amounts of time in the sun with less risk of UV damage.  Click here to read more from GrassrootsHealth.   SmartTan.com news articles regularly report medical and scientific information to keep you abreast of current events related to UV light. This information is not intended to be used by any party to make unwarranted health claims to promote sunbed usage. Indoor tanning businesses are obligated to communicate a fair and balanced message to all clients about your products and services including the potential risks associated with indoor tanning. Contact your Smart Tan representative to find out more about what you can and can\u2019t say in your tanning salon business.  \u00a9 2026 International Smart Tan Network. All rights reserved.  &nbsp;","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/index.php\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How Much Sun Is Right for You? It Starts With Your Skin Type - Smart Tan News","og_description":"From GrassrootsHealth Maximize benefits and reduce harms of sun exposure by understanding your skin type and following evidence-based recommendations for an individualized approach to sun exposure and protection   Key Points   In March 2023, Australia became the first country to provide updated guidelines for sun exposure based on skin type, risk of skin cancer, and risk of vitamin D deficiency, officially recommending increased sun exposure for darker skinned people  Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of sunburns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D, so that a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II  Once you know your skin type, you can get a better idea of your overall risk for skin cancer and sunburn. The next step is to determine how much time you can expose your skin to sunlight without burning; after that amount of time is when it is important to cover up, apply sunscreen, or get out of the sun.      Skin pigmentation plays a protective role against UV damage from the sun and helps to protect against sunburns and skin cancer. At the same time, higher amounts of skin pigmentation slows vitamin D production in the skin, leading to an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Since this can result in differing, whole-body health consequences based on the darkness of an individual\u2019s skin color, the need for a more individualized approach that considers skin type when making recommendations for sun exposure has become clear. Watch a Short Video to Learn More About this Topic     How to Determine Your Skin Type &amp; Sun Exposure Considerations Knowing your skin type is essential for personalizing your sun exposure.  Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of burns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D. For example, a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II.  The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale is a widely used system that classifies skin based on how it responds to sunlight, specifically, how easily it burns and how well it tans.\u00a0 Originally developed by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, this scale helps guide safe sun exposure, skin cancer risk assessment, and how efficiently your body can produce vitamin D from sunlight.  There are six skin types, ranging from very fair (Type I) to very dark (Type VI).  Type I \u2013 Very Fair  Skin tone: Very pale, often with freckles Hair\/Eyes: Red or blonde hair, light eyes Sun response: Always burns, never tans Vitamin D considerations: Can produce vitamin D quickly, but has the highest risk of sunburn Guidance: Very short, careful sun exposure  Type II \u2013 Fair  Skin tone: Fair Hair\/Eyes: Light hair, light to medium eye Sun response: Burns easily, tans minimally Vitamin D considerations: Efficient vitamin D production, but still burn-prone Guidance: Moderate caution; short exposures with gradual increase  Type III \u2013 Medium  Skin tone: Light to medium (often described as \u201colive\u201d) Hair\/Eyes: Darker hair, varied eye color Sun response: May burn initially, then tans gradually Vitamin D considerations: Balanced\u2014moderate production with moderate burn risk Guidance: Can tolerate longer exposure, but still avoid prolonged unprotected sun  Type IV \u2013 Olive\/Brown  Skin tone: Olive or light brown Hair\/Eyes: Dark hair and eyes Sun response: Rarely burns, tans easily Vitamin D considerations: Requires longer sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D Guidance: Lower burn risk, but still important to monitor duration and intensity  Type V \u2013 Brown  Skin tone: Medium to dark brown Hair\/Eyes: Dark Sun response: Very rarely burns, tans deeply Vitamin D considerations: Reduced vitamin D production efficiency due to higher melanin Guidance: Needs significantly more sun exposure to reach optimal vitamin D levels  Type VI \u2013 Deeply Pigmented  Skin tone: Deeply pigmented (dark brown to black) Hair\/Eyes: Dark Sun response: Almost never burns Vitamin D considerations: Lowest efficiency of vitamin D production from sunlight Guidance: Requires the longest sun exposure; higher risk of vitamin D deficiency despite sun availability  The Fitzpatrick scale is shown below with the different skin types based on their response to UV radiation. The\u00a0skin type quiz\u00a0can help you determine your type.    Click to Enlarge &amp; Print Updated, Evidence-Based Sun Exposure Recommendations by Skin Type For decades, the general recommendation for everyone has been to avoid the sun, cover up, and apply sunscreen regularly. Certain authorities have been questioning this strategy, with some having updated their official recommendations while urging others to do the same:   In 2010, a\u00a0joint position statement\u00a0was issued in the UK by groups that included Cancer Research UK, British Association of Dermatologists, Diabetes UK, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Heart Forum, the National Osteoporosis Society and the Primary Care Dermatology Society; it urged people to \u201c\u2026enjoy the sun safely and take care not to burn, helping to ensure the benefits of vitamin D can be enjoyed without the risk of skin cancer being raised unnecessarily.\u201d  In 2016, a\u00a0meeting\u00a0sponsored by the US National Cancer Institute called for updated sun exposure guidelines based on individual risk factors, highlighting the beneficial effects of sun exposure, including vitamin D production and nitric oxide release, stating \u201cReducing risk for one disease should not come at the cost of increasing risk for another.\u201d  In February, 2022, the World Health Organization hosted a\u00a0webinar, \u201cStriking a balance: harms and benefits of sun exposure,\u201d which discussed the benefits of sunshine exposure, most notably the production of vitamin D, with an emphasis on how the balance of benefits and harms differs by skin type.  In March 2023, Australia became the first country to update their official sun exposure\u00a0guidelines\u00a0based on skin type, risk of skin cancer, and risk of vitamin D deficiency, recommending increased sun exposure for darker skinned people.  \u201cThese new recommendations on sun safety balance the positive effects of sunlight such as ultraviolet B radiation for vitamin D synthesis against the risks of skin cancer. Guidelines now reflect the ethnic diversity of the Australian population, with advice differing according to the individual risk of skin cancer based on skin pigmentation and history.\u201d Dr. Rebecca Mason Key Concepts Upon which these Recommendations are Based The key points from the Australian Position Statement released in 2023 were made into a\u00a0research paper\u00a0and published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health in early 2024. \u00a0As it reports: \u201cThe balance of risks and benefits of sun exposure is not the same for everybody. For people at very high risk of skin cancer, the risks of exposure likely outweigh the benefits; sun protection is essential. Conversely, people with deeply pigmented skin are at low risk of skin cancer but at high risk of vitamin D deficiency; routine sun protection is not recommended. For those at intermediate risk of skin cancer, sun protection remains a priority, but individuals may obtain sufficient sun exposure to maintain adequate vitamin D status.\u201d How much does skin cancer risk vary by skin type?\u00a0Individuals with very dark skin (a Fitzpatrick skin type of 5 or 6 \u2013 see below) have an extremely low risk of skin cancer. For example, in the United States, compared to non-Hispanic White men and women,\u00a0the incidence of melanoma is 30 times lower in Black men and 26 times lower in Black women. In fact, \u201cmelanin affords approximately 60-fold protection against DNA damage in the basal layer of Fitzpatrick type VI skin compared with type I and II skin.\u201d  Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of sunburns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D. For example,\u00a0a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II. \u201cSun protection strategies must reflect the understanding that human skin pigmentation evolved to balance the negative and positive effects of sun exposure\u2026\u201d Geller et al. (2018) In summary:   Darkest skin colors = lower risk for skin cancer but higher risk of vitamin D deficiency = routine sun protection not recommended  Lightest skin colors = higher tendency to burn, higher risk of skin cancer = sun protection is essential  Those in between must find a balance between sufficient, sensible sun exposure, and sun protection  Tips for Personalizing Your Sun Exposure Time to Make Vitamin D and Avoid Sunburn Once you know your skin type, you can get a better idea of your overall risk for skin cancer and sunburn. The next step is to determine how much time you can expose your skin to sunlight\u00a0without burning; after that amount of time is when it is important to cover up, apply sunscreen, or get out of the sun.  Try the dminder App  You can use tools such as the\u00a0free dminder app\u00a0to approximate how much time to spend in the sun without burning, and to estimate how much vitamin D you might be producing while in the sun.\u00a0 The dminder app is an excellent tool, as it takes into account not only latitude, season, and time of day but also weather conditions and skin type that affect vitamin D production and risk of sunburn.  Expose More Skin at a 90-degree Angle  Greater amounts of vitamin D are made when more skin is exposed, especially the back and shoulders, as these contain the most surface areas on your body. It is better to expose more skin for less time to ensure you do not overexpose yourself and burn. Ideally, skin should be exposed to the sun on a 90-degree angle. \u201cPeople with darker skin and lower risk of skin cancer and a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency are advised to spend sufficient time outdoors with ample skin exposed when the UV Index is \u22653 to obtain a vitamin D-effective dose of UV radiation without sun protection.\u201d Dr. Rachel Neale Cover Up to Avoid Burning  To make vitamin D, the skin must be exposed to sunlight without sunscreen or clothing (along with several other factors,\u00a0explained in detail here).\u00a0Sunscreen blocks the UVB rays needed to produce vitamin D, and should be applied only after the exposure time allotted for making vitamin D.\u00a0Sunshine expert, Dr. Michael Holick, typically recommends covering up the sensitive parts of the skin (face, top of the hands, ears) but exposing the larger surfaces of the body (arms and legs), without sunscreen, for a reasonable amount of time and without burning to make vitamin D and the other biochemicals resulting from sunshine exposure before covering up or applying sun protection.  Allow Your Skin to Acclimate  Whether or not you choose to use an app, it is important to allow skin to gradually acclimate to the sun, especially for those who spend a lot of time indoors, have lighter skin, after winter months, or during sun-seeking vacations. It is safer to increase exposure time gradually as this allows your skin to adapt to the sun\u2019s intensity while safely producing a tan. And, as a tan develops, it will allow for greater amounts of time in the sun with less risk of UV damage.  Click here to read more from GrassrootsHealth.   SmartTan.com news articles regularly report medical and scientific information to keep you abreast of current events related to UV light. This information is not intended to be used by any party to make unwarranted health claims to promote sunbed usage. Indoor tanning businesses are obligated to communicate a fair and balanced message to all clients about your products and services including the potential risks associated with indoor tanning. Contact your Smart Tan representative to find out more about what you can and can\u2019t say in your tanning salon business.  \u00a9 2026 International Smart Tan Network. All rights reserved.  &nbsp;","og_url":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/index.php\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\/","og_site_name":"Smart Tan News","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SmartTan","article_published_time":"2026-05-07T13:21:59+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1184,"height":640,"url":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Skin-Type-5-7-26.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"smarttannews","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@SmartTan","twitter_site":"@SmartTan","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"smarttannews","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/index.php\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/index.php\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\/"},"author":{"name":"smarttannews","@id":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/#\/schema\/person\/722dc7049af55e0ed743d67ce9ed4819"},"headline":"How Much Sun Is Right for You? It Starts With Your Skin Type","datePublished":"2026-05-07T13:21:59+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/index.php\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\/"},"wordCount":2017,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/index.php\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Skin-Type-5-7-26.jpg","articleSection":["News"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/index.php\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\/","url":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/index.php\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\/","name":"How Much Sun Is Right for You? It Starts With Your Skin Type - Smart Tan News","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/index.php\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/index.php\/how-much-sun-is-right-for-you-it-starts-with-your-skin-type\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/news.smarttan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Skin-Type-5-7-26.jpg","datePublished":"2026-05-07T13:21:59+00:00","description":"From GrassrootsHealth Maximize benefits and reduce harms of sun exposure by understanding your skin type and following evidence-based recommendations for an individualized approach to sun exposure and protection Key Points In March 2023, Australia became the first country to provide updated guidelines for sun exposure based on skin type, risk of skin cancer, and risk of vitamin D deficiency, officially recommending increased sun exposure for darker skinned people Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of sunburns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D, so that a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II Once you know your skin type, you can get a better idea of your overall risk for skin cancer and sunburn. The next step is to determine how much time you can expose your skin to sunlight without burning; after that amount of time is when it is important to cover up, apply sunscreen, or get out of the sun. Skin pigmentation plays a protective role against UV damage from the sun and helps to protect against sunburns and skin cancer. At the same time, higher amounts of skin pigmentation slows vitamin D production in the skin, leading to an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency. Since this can result in differing, whole-body health consequences based on the darkness of an individual\u2019s skin color, the need for a more individualized approach that considers skin type when making recommendations for sun exposure has become clear. Watch a Short Video to Learn More About this Topic How to Determine Your Skin Type &amp; Sun Exposure Considerations Knowing your skin type is essential for personalizing your sun exposure. Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of burns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D. For example, a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II. The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale is a widely used system that classifies skin based on how it responds to sunlight, specifically, how easily it burns and how well it tans.\u00a0 Originally developed by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, this scale helps guide safe sun exposure, skin cancer risk assessment, and how efficiently your body can produce vitamin D from sunlight. There are six skin types, ranging from very fair (Type I) to very dark (Type VI). Type I \u2013 Very Fair Skin tone: Very pale, often with freckles Hair\/Eyes: Red or blonde hair, light eyes Sun response: Always burns, never tans Vitamin D considerations: Can produce vitamin D quickly, but has the highest risk of sunburn Guidance: Very short, careful sun exposure Type II \u2013 Fair Skin tone: Fair Hair\/Eyes: Light hair, light to medium eye Sun response: Burns easily, tans minimally Vitamin D considerations: Efficient vitamin D production, but still burn-prone Guidance: Moderate caution; short exposures with gradual increase Type III \u2013 Medium Skin tone: Light to medium (often described as \u201colive\u201d) Hair\/Eyes: Darker hair, varied eye color Sun response: May burn initially, then tans gradually Vitamin D considerations: Balanced\u2014moderate production with moderate burn risk Guidance: Can tolerate longer exposure, but still avoid prolonged unprotected sun Type IV \u2013 Olive\/Brown Skin tone: Olive or light brown Hair\/Eyes: Dark hair and eyes Sun response: Rarely burns, tans easily Vitamin D considerations: Requires longer sun exposure to produce adequate vitamin D Guidance: Lower burn risk, but still important to monitor duration and intensity Type V \u2013 Brown Skin tone: Medium to dark brown Hair\/Eyes: Dark Sun response: Very rarely burns, tans deeply Vitamin D considerations: Reduced vitamin D production efficiency due to higher melanin Guidance: Needs significantly more sun exposure to reach optimal vitamin D levels Type VI \u2013 Deeply Pigmented Skin tone: Deeply pigmented (dark brown to black) Hair\/Eyes: Dark Sun response: Almost never burns Vitamin D considerations: Lowest efficiency of vitamin D production from sunlight Guidance: Requires the longest sun exposure; higher risk of vitamin D deficiency despite sun availability The Fitzpatrick scale is shown below with the different skin types based on their response to UV radiation. The\u00a0skin type quiz\u00a0can help you determine your type. Click to Enlarge &amp; Print Updated, Evidence-Based Sun Exposure Recommendations by Skin Type For decades, the general recommendation for everyone has been to avoid the sun, cover up, and apply sunscreen regularly. Certain authorities have been questioning this strategy, with some having updated their official recommendations while urging others to do the same: In 2010, a\u00a0joint position statement\u00a0was issued in the UK by groups that included Cancer Research UK, British Association of Dermatologists, Diabetes UK, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the National Heart Forum, the National Osteoporosis Society and the Primary Care Dermatology Society; it urged people to \u201c\u2026enjoy the sun safely and take care not to burn, helping to ensure the benefits of vitamin D can be enjoyed without the risk of skin cancer being raised unnecessarily.\u201d In 2016, a\u00a0meeting\u00a0sponsored by the US National Cancer Institute called for updated sun exposure guidelines based on individual risk factors, highlighting the beneficial effects of sun exposure, including vitamin D production and nitric oxide release, stating \u201cReducing risk for one disease should not come at the cost of increasing risk for another.\u201d In February, 2022, the World Health Organization hosted a\u00a0webinar, \u201cStriking a balance: harms and benefits of sun exposure,\u201d which discussed the benefits of sunshine exposure, most notably the production of vitamin D, with an emphasis on how the balance of benefits and harms differs by skin type. In March 2023, Australia became the first country to update their official sun exposure\u00a0guidelines\u00a0based on skin type, risk of skin cancer, and risk of vitamin D deficiency, recommending increased sun exposure for darker skinned people. \u201cThese new recommendations on sun safety balance the positive effects of sunlight such as ultraviolet B radiation for vitamin D synthesis against the risks of skin cancer. Guidelines now reflect the ethnic diversity of the Australian population, with advice differing according to the individual risk of skin cancer based on skin pigmentation and history.\u201d Dr. Rebecca Mason Key Concepts Upon which these Recommendations are Based The key points from the Australian Position Statement released in 2023 were made into a\u00a0research paper\u00a0and published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health in early 2024. \u00a0As it reports: \u201cThe balance of risks and benefits of sun exposure is not the same for everybody. For people at very high risk of skin cancer, the risks of exposure likely outweigh the benefits; sun protection is essential. Conversely, people with deeply pigmented skin are at low risk of skin cancer but at high risk of vitamin D deficiency; routine sun protection is not recommended. For those at intermediate risk of skin cancer, sun protection remains a priority, but individuals may obtain sufficient sun exposure to maintain adequate vitamin D status.\u201d How much does skin cancer risk vary by skin type?\u00a0Individuals with very dark skin (a Fitzpatrick skin type of 5 or 6 \u2013 see below) have an extremely low risk of skin cancer. For example, in the United States, compared to non-Hispanic White men and women,\u00a0the incidence of melanoma is 30 times lower in Black men and 26 times lower in Black women. In fact, \u201cmelanin affords approximately 60-fold protection against DNA damage in the basal layer of Fitzpatrick type VI skin compared with type I and II skin.\u201d Darker skin contains more melanin, which acts as a natural sunscreen. While this decreases the likelihood of sunburns and skin cancer, the more melanin skin contains the longer it takes to produce vitamin D. For example,\u00a0a person with skin type VI may require more than 10 times the length of UVB exposure to make the same amount of vitamin D as someone with skin type II. \u201cSun protection strategies must reflect the understanding that human skin pigmentation evolved to balance the negative and positive effects of sun exposure\u2026\u201d Geller et al. (2018) In summary: Darkest skin colors = lower risk for skin cancer but higher risk of vitamin D deficiency = routine sun protection not recommended Lightest skin colors = higher tendency to burn, higher risk of skin cancer = sun protection is essential Those in between must find a balance between sufficient, sensible sun exposure, and sun protection Tips for Personalizing Your Sun Exposure Time to Make Vitamin D and Avoid Sunburn Once you know your skin type, you can get a better idea of your overall risk for skin cancer and sunburn. The next step is to determine how much time you can expose your skin to sunlight\u00a0without burning; after that amount of time is when it is important to cover up, apply sunscreen, or get out of the sun. Try the dminder App You can use tools such as the\u00a0free dminder app\u00a0to approximate how much time to spend in the sun without burning, and to estimate how much vitamin D you might be producing while in the sun.\u00a0 The dminder app is an excellent tool, as it takes into account not only latitude, season, and time of day but also weather conditions and skin type that affect vitamin D production and risk of sunburn. Expose More Skin at a 90-degree Angle Greater amounts of vitamin D are made when more skin is exposed, especially the back and shoulders, as these contain the most surface areas on your body. It is better to expose more skin for less time to ensure you do not overexpose yourself and burn. Ideally, skin should be exposed to the sun on a 90-degree angle. \u201cPeople with darker skin and lower risk of skin cancer and a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency are advised to spend sufficient time outdoors with ample skin exposed when the UV Index is \u22653 to obtain a vitamin D-effective dose of UV radiation without sun protection.\u201d Dr. Rachel Neale Cover Up to Avoid Burning To make vitamin D, the skin must be exposed to sunlight without sunscreen or clothing (along with several other factors,\u00a0explained in detail here).\u00a0Sunscreen blocks the UVB rays needed to produce vitamin D, and should be applied only after the exposure time allotted for making vitamin D.\u00a0Sunshine expert, Dr. Michael Holick, typically recommends covering up the sensitive parts of the skin (face, top of the hands, ears) but exposing the larger surfaces of the body (arms and legs), without sunscreen, for a reasonable amount of time and without burning to make vitamin D and the other biochemicals resulting from sunshine exposure before covering up or applying sun protection. Allow Your Skin to Acclimate Whether or not you choose to use an app, it is important to allow skin to gradually acclimate to the sun, especially for those who spend a lot of time indoors, have lighter skin, after winter months, or during sun-seeking vacations. It is safer to increase exposure time gradually as this allows your skin to adapt to the sun\u2019s intensity while safely producing a tan. And, as a tan develops, it will allow for greater amounts of time in the sun with less risk of UV damage. Click here to read more from GrassrootsHealth. SmartTan.com news articles regularly report medical and scientific information to keep you abreast of current events related to UV light. This information is not intended to be used by any party to make unwarranted health claims to promote sunbed usage. Indoor tanning businesses are obligated to communicate a fair and balanced message to all clients about your products and services including the potential risks associated with indoor tanning. Contact your Smart Tan representative to find out more about what you can and can\u2019t say in your tanning salon business. \u00a9 2026 International Smart Tan Network. 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