Did you know that vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption? Although sunscreens are perhaps the most essential part of skin care, you do need exposure to the sun to enable vitamin D synthesis. Getting about 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure a few times a week is all you need to get your body to create the necessary levels of vitamin D for maintaining overall good health. Supplements may be necessary because few foods contain vitamin D naturally. Research indicates that vitamin D deficiency plays a role (but not the only factor) in causing a variety of cancers as well as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle degeneration, birth defects, and periodontal disease. Balance the need for sunlight with the fact that adequate and regular sunscreen use provides one of the best defenses against photodamage to the skin.