According to health experts, four minutes outside in the sun is plenty, especially for fair-skin people, in order to produce enough vitamin D to keep bones healthy.

The study, conducted by the experts at the Australian National University, provides guidance on acceptable levels of sun exposure in the face of mixed messages about the affect of the sun's rays.

For those living in Australia, between two and 14 minutes of midday summer sun three or four times a week on the face and arms will produce an adequate dose of the vitamin.

Citizens in the UK need double the amount in the sun, due to the less intense sunrays in the country.

Experts advise that limiting sun exposure is crucial in preventing skin cancer, but a lack of sunlight can lead to vitamin D deficiency which can cause rickets in children, osteoporosis in adults, and contribute to cancer, diabetes and hypertension.