Right now, I'm finding so much information that I can't figure out what to leave out and everything's getting too long!  But you'll love this one!

I happened across The Skin Cancer Foundation's website.  They have a stern warning that babies should always be kept out of the sun, and a section on common myths about sunscreen.  Their first myth is ...

"Wearing sunscreen can cause vitamin D deficiency." 

There's even a link to a page on this "controversy."  There, they say that some physicians believe that "the simple solution to the deficiency is 5-10 minutes of unprotected UV exposure ... two or three times a week."  They go on to state that most dermatologists and cancer groups "have argued strongly against this 'solution,' since all unprotected [sic] UV exposure contributes to cumulative skin damage[.]"

Sooooo, I called them.  And I mentioned the reports coming out in USA Today, the New York Times, the AJC, all over the place, that we're in a epidemic of vitamin D deficiency, specifically b/c we use too much sunscreen, and that even babies are being found deficient in huge numbers.  I asked if they were updating their website to reflect the latest recommendations: "Experts suggest at least 15 minutes of direct sun a day before slathering on sunscreen."

The guy answering the phone said, "We now recommend spending 10-15 minutes in the direct sun two or three times a week."

Great!  "So, will you be updating your website to reflect that immediately?"

"I'll put in a report that you requested that."

"Most people encounter your important organization through your website.  Shouldn't that be updated immediately?"

"I'll note that you requested that."

?  Why not do it now?  ?

I don't know, surely it has nothing to do with being funded by sunscreen manufacturers.

I did *not* used to be a skeptic.  I didn't!