Continue to protect yourself with sunscreen

It's true that vitamin D is an important nutrient. New studies suggest that it can even reduce the risk of diabetes and various types of cancer. After reading this in the newspapers, some people think sunscreen is not very important. That is totally incorrect.

You can get enough vitamin D from modest exposure to the sun. The key word here is "modest." Exposing your face and arms to the sun for a few minutes a few times a week is all you need. Even that recommendation varies by a person's skin type, time of the day, and season, according to experts at Boston University. Most people get enough sun exposure without thinking about it.

The American Academy of Dermatologists reports that a little bit of sun may be OK. But extensive, unprotected exposure remains a major cause of skin cancer and most of the skin wrinkling and spotting that come with age. The Academy recommends:

* Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or more when you will be in the sun for more than 20 minutes.

* Choose one that protects against both UVA and UVB rays of the sun.

* Reapply it every two hours, more often if you are swimming.

* Keep the sun off of your skin with clothing and stay in the shade, particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

* Avoid tanning beds. Use sunless self-tanning products instead.

Sunscreens aren't perfect. They let through some potentially damaging rays, are not waterproof, don't last all day, and may be applied incorrectly.

They are also inconvenient and messy, but they are the best thing we have now.