EBN–Sunscreen is a vital skincare product that shields your skin from damaging UV radiation. However, have you ever considered the possibility that wearing it every day could lower your absorption of vitamin D and result in vitamin D deficiency? Some people think that wearing it frequently could interfere with the production of vitamin D in our bodies, which occurs when we are exposed to sunlight.
How is vitamin D produced in our bodies?
The “sunshine vitamin,” or vitamin D, is created when the sun’s UVB rays are absorbed by human skin. Strong bones, a healthy immune system, and general well-being all depend on vitamin D, which is produced by our bodies with the aid of these rays. It, however, are made to prevent the sun’s UV rays, which raises questions regarding how they affect the creation of vitamin D.
What impact does wearing it all the time have on your body’s ability to absorb vitamin D?
According to research, wearing it with a high sun protection factor (SPF) on a regular basis may lessen the skin’s capacity to absorb UVB rays, which may therefore result in less vitamin D being produced. In reality, though, most people do not cover all exposed skin with a thick, even layer of sunscreen, which permits some UVB rays to pass through for vitamin D to develop.
According to a study in the British Journal of Dermatology, humans can still generate enough vitamin D even when they use sunscreen with a high SPF. Accordingly, sunscreen does not totally stop the creation of UVB rays, even while it lessens exposure to them.
Does using sunscreen actually cause vitamin D deficiency?
There is no conclusive evidence that regular sunscreen use leads to vitamin D deficiency . Many experts, including those from the American Academy of Dermatology, emphasize that most people get enough sun exposure to produce vitamin D even when using sunscreen. For these reasons:
Sunscreen wears off after a few hours.
We often overlook certain areas while applying sunscreen to our skin, allowing the rays to penetrate the skin.
Even a few minutes of sun exposure (without sunscreen) can help maintain vitamin D levels.
How to Maintain Vitamin D Levels While Using Sunscreen?
If you’re concerned about vitamin D deficiency, here are some simple ways to balance sun protection and vitamin D intake:
Expose yourself to the sun for 10-15 minutes in the morning or evening before applying sunscreen.
Add foods rich in vitamin D to your diet, such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products .
Consider taking vitamin D supplements if your doctor advises you to do so.
Should we skip sunscreen to get vitamin D?
No, protecting your skin from sunburn, premature aging , and skin cancer is more important. You can maintain healthy vitamin D levels through diet, supplements, and short, unprotected sun exposure. Using sunscreen does not directly cause vitamin D deficiency, so there’s no need to ignore it.
