Q. I WEAR A HIGH SPF ALL SUMMER BUT KEEP HEARING ABOUT THE DANGERS OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY. AM I PUTTING MYSELF AT RISK OR NOT?
A. The vitamin D messages can be confusing but you only need a few minutes sun exposure each day through the summer to top up your levels of this vitamin - such as a stroll at lunchtime. The most important thing is to be sun smart. If you burn easily, you're right to use a high factor. But bear in mind the time required to make vitamin D is likely to be shorter than the amount of time it takes for your skin to go red, so you can stay SPF-free for ten minutes or so before applying the factor 30. Remember though, never go longer than is comfortable or safe - you know your skin better than anyone else, so don't risk sunburn. If you're really worried, top up your vitamin levels with oily fish.
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