The sun is out and our skirts are getting shorter. So what do you do about your less than prepared pale skin?

Well when we expose our skin to UV rays it seeks to protect itself by creating a pigment called melanin that determines skin tone. The simple fact is that the more melanin our skin produces when stimulated by the sun, the more we get that golden glow that we all crave.

However now we know more about the links between sun exposure, skin ageing and cancer; we’re savvy to the fact that – despite wanting the golden glow – we need to protect our skin. That said we also need to let our skin absorb some natural sunlight to create sufficient vitamin D for our bodies – something that most of us are deficient in.

Although it’s classed as a vitamin, Vitamin D is actually rather unusual in that sense – it’s fat-soluble, made in the body and without it we’re unable to absorb calcium which can leave us at risk from issues such as high blood pressure, headaches, low mood, Seasonal Affective Disorder and heart disease. However it’s hard to find in food sources – mainly in oily fish and dairy 

So to keep your skin safe this summer and to ensure you’re getting enough Vitamin D use a daily sunscreen but enjoy your full-sun exposure safely. 

Find out more about your skincare routine in my new book ‘Love Your Skin’ available on Amazon now.