Risks and benefits of sunlight exposure: putting clinical guidance into practice

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence issued guidance on the risks and benefits of sunlight exposure earlier this year. Sunlight is needed to maintain vitamin D levels but too much exposure can damage the skin and lead to cancer. Risks of both vitamin D deficiency and skin damage depend on individual factors including age, skin colour and lifestyle, so information on sun exposure can be confusing. Practitioners therefore need to provide patient education that is both individually tailored and consistent. Aesthetic practitioners are well placed to advise patients on their risks and action to take.