Get some sun. But not too much. Find out how to balance your sun exposure to safely maximize your skin’s natural vitamin D production.

Get some sun

I’m a bit of a ginger. Red hair, freckles, light complexion. If I just think about going in the sun, my face gets red. And even I know to ditch the SPF. Because there’s only one right way to do sunshine…

Stop, drop, and roll.

Stop using sunscreens with harsh chemicals.

Drop the excess layers of clothing long enough to get a little sun.

Then, roll your sleeves down, put on your hat, and protect your skin from extended exposure.

A few minutes of unprotected sunlight exposure is good, of course. It prompts your skin to produce vitamin D. And this is the best way to boost your D levels. But don’t worry. Your skin actually knows how to protect itself through this brief exposure, even if you’re fair.

Then it’s time to cover up…

Whether you’re a ginger or a MaryAnne, you should always avoid extended exposure. If you’re outside for a while, wear a hat, long pants or a long skirt, and other clothing that covers as much skin as possible.

Of course, if you spend a day outdoors with your kids or grandkids, it’s hard to keep them fully clothed. So the sunscreen you choose needs to be the least harmful.

Every year, the Environmental Working Group (an independent non-profit) revises its sunscreen safety ratings. With these ratings, you’ll find the most effective sunscreens with the least amount of unnecessary chemicals.

You’ll also find that some very familiar brands are pure junk. And some are simply dangerous. But some brands are quite good, offering protection with a minimum of risk.

You can take a look at EWG’s 2013 Guide to Safer Sunscreens here.