Getting a Sun Tan on Shabbat -- Permitted?

After the long winter months, many of us are delighted to welcome sunshine back into our lives. May one sit in the sun during the long Shabbat afternoons in order to get a tan?

The answer is that it depends on the person and his motives. If he enjoys sitting in the sun and also wants to get a tan, then he may do so on Shabbat. Sitting in the sun in order to gain the health benefits is also permitted, provided the person enjoys it.

However, if sitting in the sun causes discomfort, then it is forbidden on Shabbat, because causing oneself discomfort on Shabbat is prohibited, even if one wants to derive the health benefits of the sunshine.