We all know that the best way to prevent wrinkles as we get older is to keep out of the sun, use sunscreen and generally be sun-aware. But what about that all-important essential vitamin D? As a vitamin that we can’t store in our body for extended periods, we have to top it up and that means sun exposure. So what’s a woman supposed to do?

How do we get vitamin D?

Vitamin D enters our skin via the sun’s UV rays – the most damaging ones when it comes to our skin. It is an “essential vitamin” which means that it cannot be stored by the body and therefore needs to be regularly topped up. We can store it for a few weeks, but it is quickly used.

Why do we need vitamin D?

Many years ago there was an epidemic of rickets in both adults and children due to a lack of proper sunlight and good food. This was caused by the fact that vitamin D from the sun helps the body to absorb calcium and without it, we get bones that are weak and will even bend and break.

Vitamin D is also known to prevent and improve symptoms of depression, seasonal affective disorder and general low moods, due to its ability to allow increased seratonin uptake.

Lastly a lack of vitamin D can result in painful muscles and joints and a low immunity – all issues that we tend to put down to old age.

How do I get more vitamin D?

It would be very easy for us to say that all you need to do is lie out in the sun, because the truth is that the sun is an excellent source of vitamin D. But of course, that would be problematic for your skin in terms of wrinkles, sun damage and even skin cancer. But there are some very easy ways around this issue that will still allow you to get the precious vitamin D that you need.

• Try to spend around 10 minutes per day in the sun – exposing your face and arms. After this time is up, start protecting your skin with clothing, shade or sun cream.
• Eat more oily fish, olive oil and green vegetables. These are a good source of vitamin D.
• Take a vitamin D supplement – especially in the winter months when there may not be enough sunlight for your needs.

Remember our motto:

Prevention, Protection, Correction

It is as simple as that. Give your skin the vitamin D that it needs and no more – then cover up. Prevent damage, protect from damage and treat any damage that occurs. You’ll be