:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/VWH-GettyImages-1385318075-56561614eb54466db5fa98df5bbd1c4d.jpg?w=780&resize=780,470&ssl=1 "Does the sunscreen affect your vitamin D levels?")
Main to remember
- Research shows that the use of sunscreen does not cause vitamin D deficiency.
- Geography, season, complexion, age and lifestyle habits play a more important role in vitamin D levels than the use of solar screens.
- Vitamin D is better maintained by a diet and balanced supplements (if necessary).
Studies have shown that even when used at recommended maximum quantities, sunscreen does not lead to lower vitamin D levels.
Does sun protection block vitamin gains?
A high SPF sunscreen with wide spectrum filter most of the sun UBV radiation. Despite this, clinical studies suggest that the use of daily sunscreen does not seem to lead to a vitamin D deficiency.
This may be due to the fact that even with a perfect use of high SPF sunscreen, some UVB of the sun always reach the skin, and that does not take much exposure to the sun to trigger the body to produce vitamin D.
Some studies suggest that sunscreen blocks UVA (which can cause a degradation of vitamin D), so that sunscreen can benefit from the production of vitamin D.
How sunscreen works
The sunscreen protects your skin by blocking or absorbing ultraviolet sun (UV) radiation, which can damage skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer.
- There are two main types of UV rays:
- UVA: Penetrates deeply and contributes to skin aging.
- UVB: Mainly responsible for sunburn and also plays a role in the development of skin cancer.
Most solar screens use chemical filters (such as avobenzone or oxybenzone) which absorb UV rays and convert them into harmless heat, or mineral filters (such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) which act like a physical shield, reflecting the rays of the skin. Many modern formulas combine both for wide spectrum protection.
The sun protection factor (SPF) on a solar cream label mainly refers to protection against UVB rays.
A higher SPF means better defense, although no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays. Regular application and reapplication, even regular, especially after swimming or perspiration – are the key to protecting your skin.
Other factors that influence vitamin D levels
Several factors beyond sunscreen affect the amount of vitamin D that your body can produce from sunlight:
- Geography and season: Live further from the equator or in places with long winters reduces the production of vitamin D.
- Time of the day: The midday sun provides the strongest UV rays for the synthesis of vitamin D.
- Skin tone: Darker skin has more melanin, which reduces the effectiveness of the skin in the manufacture of vitamin D.
- Age: The elderly produce less vitamin D because their skin is thinner.
- Lifestyle habits: Spend more time inside, cover clothes or wear hats and sunglasses all limit exposure to UVs.
These factors often explain the low vitamin D levels more than the use of sunscreen alone.
Precautions with vitamin D
It is possible to obtain too much vitamin D, which can be harmful. High levels of vitamin D are generally caused by excessive consumption of vitamin D supplement. Very high blood levels of vitamin D can cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Pain
- Muscular weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Excessive urination
- Excessive thirst
- Kidney stones
Extremely high levels of vitamin D can cause toxicity and cause serious or be fatal effects.
Vitamin D supplements can also interact with certain drugs or other supplements.
Talk to your health care provider before taking vitamin D supplements.
Biases in studies
It should be noted that a large part of the research on the use of sunscreen and vitamin D was carried out on participants with clearer skin pigmentation. Additional research is necessary on the effects of sunscreen on vitamin D production for people with darker skin pigmentation.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PicsArt_09-20-02.40.06-13db387d22de4949b3d6c887bcc884cd.jpg)
