Summer is quickly approaching, and that means that you are apt
to spend time in the sun. While you may love to spend time
outdoors during the summer, it is necessary to take steps to
protect your skin from the effects of the sun’s rays. Keep in
mind that you need exposure to a certain amount of sunlight each
day. Sunlight provides vitamin D, a vitamin that is essential
for bone health and that may play a role in preventing a number
of diseases, such as heart disease and depression. This does not
mean that you should spend too much time in the sun. Experts
recommend that you spend about ten minutes per day in the sun to
receive its benefits without incurring skin damage. Aside from
those few minutes of sun exposure to obtain your dose of vitamin
D, you should always use sunscreen to shield your sun from
ultraviolet rays that can cause skin damage and skin cancer. An
SPF of at least 15 is recommended, and if your skin is fair, you
should use a higher SPF. Reapply it several times a day for the
best protection.