New Vitamin D and Sun Exposure Guidelines

New Vitamin D and Sun Exposure Guidelines

Australian sun exposure recommendations now consider skin type and risk of skin cancer in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, February 2024.

People with lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-IV) are at higher risk of skin cancer and should minimise sun exposure during peak UV hours (UV index 3 or higher) and use sun protection. They can still get enough vitamin D with short exposures during non-peak hours.

People with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick V-VI) have a lower risk of skin cancer and may need more sun exposure to get enough vitamin D. They may not need daily sunscreen but should use it during prolonged sun exposure.

Our doctors can advise on personalised recommendations and vitamin D supplementation if needed. Public health messages will still focus on skin cancer prevention.