WAIT, WHAT?

Some experts think we're wearing too much sunscreen

Sunscreen isn't just good—it's the No. 1 most important product for healthy skin. You should never step outside without dipping your entire body in a vat of it, even in the winter, or else. This is pretty standard advice, and everyone from my mom to the CDC agrees.

But some experts think they're wrong.

The sun can provide enormous health benefits, but sunscreen keeps you from getting them

For example: vitamin D. Decreasing sun exposure and wearing sunscreen blocks the body from producing vitamin D, and people with low levels of vitamin D have significantly higher rates of... everything. Cancer, obesity, diabetes, depression, heart attacks, stroke, osteoporosis, and more. Vitamin D supplements may not help with prevention, and it's difficult to obtain enough of it through diet alone. Spending time in the sun unprotected is really the only good way to get this important vitamin.

It's true that more time in the sun could increase your risk for melanoma, but one study found that though sunbathers got melanomas more often, they were less likely to die from them than people who stayed inside. Also, spending time in the sun reduces blood pressure by such a dramatic degree that these researchers argue it could save you from more common causes of death, like stroke or heart disease. And for people of color, who rarely get deadly melanomas, direct sunlight will probably only help them.

So... no more sunscreen?

Well, no. It will still protect you from sunburns, which you're particularly susceptible to if you're someone with light-colored skin who spends a lot of time inside (cough, office job) then a lot of time outside all at once (cough, beach vacation). But if you believe these researchers, maybe skip sunscreen during your drive to work or run in the park to get a much-needed dose of vitamin D.

But keep in mind this whole thing is worth taking with a grain of salt

Sunscreen still has other benefits, like preventing wrinkles and brown spots. Further, all this research is coming from a small group of scientists—most dermatologists and all federal guidelines still recommend wearing sunscreen at all times.

At the very least, it's a reminder that there are two sides to every story and that nothing—not even the sun—is definitively good or bad. Whether you change your sunscreen habits is up to you.

(Outside)

Try this

Can't control those random breakouts? Acne creams can be super drying, especially when your skin's already taking a beating from dry winter air. Solution: Grind a handful of rolled oats in a coffee grinder then combine with 1/2 c. full-fat organic yogurt and a drizzle of honey. Let it sit for a few mins then spread alllll over your face. Greatist

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Right. That’s why Fabletics (which was founded by Kate Hudson BTW) is offering a solution: a membership program that gets you seriously affordable workout gear—like leggings, sports bras, and jackets—that don't sacrifice quality. Sign up as a VIP and get your first two pairs of leggings for $24 (uhhh, what?). After that, you'll get savings of up to 50 percent off super-cute athleisure pieces in all kinds of patterns, styles, and sizes.

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BLAME IT ON THE HORMONES

Two updates on birth control pills

First: You know those sugar pills you're supposed to take the last week of your pill packet? They might be useless. The National Health Service in the UK officially updated its guidelines to recommend that women take the hormonal pills every day without a break. (If you want to go on a fascinating ride about how you can thank the Pope for that week of sugar pills, read this or this.)

Second: A new study found that being on the pill may change who women are attracted to. So if women meet partners while they're on the pill then go off it, their subconscious preferences might shift, leaving them dissatisfied in the relationship. Blame it on the hormones.