Question: First, let me say I love your website column. I wish you were my doctor! I have fair skin and know a few people who have died from melanoma. So I always make sure that I apply sunscreen when going outdoors. But now I read so many articles about the benefits of vitamin D and how it is created by sunlight. Should I keep applying sunscreen?

Dr. Hibberd’s answer:
Sunscreens are advised to be used to protect the skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. They help prevent sunburn and premature aging, decrease the risk of skin cancer and also of sunburn-like skin reactions (sun sensitivity) caused by some medications, and is highly recommended for the outdoors. There is some controversy regarding wearing sunscreen can cause vitamin D deficiency, but few dermatologists believe (and no studies have shown) that sunscreens cause vitamin D deficiency.