While one scientist isn't exactly recommending you ditch your sunscreen, he is admitting that your skin's lack of sun exposure may be at least partially responsible for vitamin D deficiency.

The skin actually produces much-needed vitamin D when exposed to the sun, which can provide preventative benefits in terms of future health risks. In a study published yesterday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Richard Setlow, a biophysicist at the Brookhaven National Labratory, explains the vicious circle:

"Since vitamin D has been shown to play a protective role in a number of internal cancers and possibly a range of other diseases, it is important to study the relative risks to determine whether advice to avoid sun exposure may be causing more harm than good in some populations."

Setlow's study indicates those who have a higher intake of vitamin D may be more successful at fighting colon, breast and lung cancer. However, Setlow also advises that vitamin D levels can be increased by eating foods such as milk, fish and cod liver oil. In fact, he recommends upping your intake of those as opposed to avoiding sunscreen.

Despite the winter season upon us, always remember to use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF level of 15, especially on your face. That weak winter sun can be more harmful than you think!

» The Sydney Morning Herald