With a return to sunshine and warm temperatures expected Sunday, one local doctor is encouraging residents to remember sun protection.

Dr. Gordon Dyck says the most important thing to remember is when you are outside the power of the sun can damage your skin no matter the weather conditions. He notes covering up with clothing and hats is a good start, but sunscreen is also important, adding if you do not like lotion there are alternatives.

"In the last couple of years I have been recommending a product that is a dry powder because for me having wet on my face feels uncomfortable and the dry mineral powders can actually be used from infancy onward because they do not absorb into the skin and they apply so quickly you do not have to mess with the liquid on your hand."

Dyck says finding a product that you are comfortable with is a great start. He says sometimes overexposure happens even if you are careful, at which point you should supply your body with everything it needs to heal.

"The first thing to do is recognize that you have now damaged something, so to put your body back into repair mode so fluids, hydration is number one on the list. I am a big fan of vitamin D in terms of the healing process so whether it is a burn or injury or cut or whatever, it is another tool that your body can use."

Dyck says all of the coolants that people use for their sunburned areas can be soothing and comforting but don't do anything to help with the healing process. He says there are some very big benefits to sunshine and many parents may want their kids to experience those benefits, but sunscreen is still your best bet.

"The benefits of sunshine are twofold. One is the vitamin D and vitamin D is safer to take as a supplement as opposed to regulating it with sunshine. The other aspect of the sun is what it does to your brain. For me, it makes way more sense to put sunscreen on, send the kids out and enjoy the sun, get their brain full of sunshine without having to worry about their skin."

Dyck says it is also a good idea to read the application instructions of your sunscreen of choice to make sure you are using enough product and at the right intervals.