This is crazy.

Sunbathing is out.
Self-tanner and tinted beauty products are in, but only when it's done right (and that's the problem).
'Fake bake' is definitely out.
Looking pale is supposed to be in, but really - it's not.
Sunlight is good for you, Sunlight is bad for you.

I'm confused.

Our society is hung up on the latest trends, but slowly we are returning to our parents' maxim: Everything In Moderation. It's kind of the best of both worlds, where you don't have to swing between Hollywood excess and Himalayan hermit ideals.

We can all agree that too much sun ages us more quickly and may lead to a variety of diseases. Caution is critical, but beware the paranoia that could ultimately damage your health. In addition to the deep satisfaction a sun-warmed nap at the park gives you, your body will provide its daily requirement of vitamin D while you're dozing.

Vitamin D, unlike its name, is a hormone produced by our skin when exposed to sunlight (specifically UVB rays). It increases calcium uptake (critical for bone health), is important for the immune system, and has been associated with cancer prevention and coronary health. Many newborns have a touch of jaundice and a common recommendation is a little sunbathing.

Coming in a distant second, certain fish and mushroom species as well as fortified dairy and grain products can supply some of the body's D requirements. In most cases, however, dietary sources are not enough to cover your needs particularly during the winter months.

The best time to soak up your vitamins according to experts is at noon, when the sun hits its peak. Sunscreens as low as SPF-8 have been shown to decrease absorption by up to 95%, and so you should not use a sunscreen during this time. However, depending on your skin pigment and your geographic location, you will only need 5-15 minutes of exposure to get your daily dose. Once your body has produced enough for the day, any extra amount will degrade almost as quickly as it is created.

This is, you may well imagine, a controversial topic. You will have heard that you should never venture into the sun without a thick layer of spf15 sunscreen, a hat, and a long-sleeved shirt, nor should you plan to be outside during the peak of the day (11am-3pm).

What do you think? Do you risk a little sun for your health's sake or are you more comfortable with a supplement?

Read more on this topic:
*Wikipedia's article tells you the science
*NaturalNews gives you the basics from a natural living perspective
*NowToronto has a media opinion