As the weather warms up, it's a good reminder that sun safety matters.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, and overexposure to UV radiation remains the greatest risk factor.

Australian studies have improved our understanding of the relationship between sunscreen and vitamin D. The good news? Most Australians can maintain healthy vitamin D levels through regular incidental sun exposure while still practising good sun protection.

Healthy skin and healthy vitamin D levels can go hand in hand. The key message:

• Protect your skin from UV damage
• Get sensible incidental sun exposure
• Talk with your GP if you're concerned about vitamin D deficiency

To protect your skin:

• Check the UV Index
• When UV is 3 or above, use all five forms of sun protection:
  • Slip on protective clothing
  • Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF50+ sunscreen
  • Slap on a broad-rimmed hat
  • Seek shade
  • Slide on sunglasses