Sunlight acts on the skin to produce vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for good health, in particular to maintain healthy bones.
The issue of vitamin D in health is complicated. However, most people are likely to have sufficient levels of vitamin D, some of which will have come from normal exposure to the sun in their everyday lives. It is possible to get all the vitamin D you need by eating a balanced diet and acting sensibly in the sun whilst using sunscreens.
When exposed to the sun it is still important to behave sensibly, and protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, including the appropriate use of sunscreens.
Certain foods are a source of vitamin D (it is found in eggs, oily fish, fish liver oils and some fortified cereals) - but this might not suit everyone's diet. Vitamin D can also be obtained from dietary supplements.
Vitamin D exists in different forms. In the UK vitamin D is not used as an ingredient in cosmetic products as the main forms are not permitted under UK rules.
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