In Defense Of Sunlight: The *Real Truth* About The Sun, Vitamin D, UVA, UVB, Sunscreen & More, With Rowan Jacobsen.
Summary
Ben Greenfield interviews Rowan Jacobson, author of *In Defense of Sunlight*, to challenge conventional sun avoidance advice. They discuss how melanoma risks stem from intermittent burning rather than cumulative exposure, and how sunlight boosts vitamin D, nitric oxide, and mood. The episode also covers the limitations of current US sunscreens, the benefits of the new ingredient bemotrizinol, and the importance of the skin microbiome.
Topics discussed
Intro, US sunscreen regulation, and sponsor ads (Thymoquin, Ritual)
Rowan Jacobson joins to discuss 'In Defense of Sunlight' and the paradigm shift
History of sun therapy, post-WWII shift, and rising melanoma rates
Intermittent vs. chronic sun exposure and melanoma risk distinctions
UVA vs. UVB effects, window glass, and truck driver skin cancer studies
Vitamin D synthesis, supplements vs. sunlight, and infrared light benefits
Sunlight, nitric oxide, blood pressure, and endorphin release
Sunscreen efficacy, UVA/UVB imbalance, and clothing as protection
New FDA-approved ingredient Bemotrisanol and reef-safe concerns
Skin microbiome, sweat, and the impact of antibacterial soaps
Skin phenotypes, latitude, and practical sun exposure recommendations
Circadian rhythms, desert experiment, and final thoughts
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