¿El protector solar evita que absorba suficiente vitamina D?

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Benefits of sunscreen

By now, everyone has heard that they should be wearing sunscreen daily. Why? Beyond preventing signs of premature skin aging, such as dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, sunscreen can dramatically reduce the risk of skin cancer. In fact, even a sun-protection factor (SPF) as low as 15 can help cut your chances of developing melanoma - the most serious form of skin cancer - by a whopping 50 percent.

Does sunscreen block vitamin D?

Some people worry that using sunscreen will deprive them of getting vitamin D naturally from the sun, because sun exposure is key for the body's vitamin D production. While sunscreen may decrease the skin's production of vitamin D, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that adults obtain an adequate amount of vitamin D from their diets.

What is the recommended daily amount of vitamin D?

We need this nutrient, because the benefits of vitamin D are critical to a healthy body, inside and out. "Vitamin D regulates many physiological processes in the skin, including skin turnover, barrier maintenance and immunity," says Dr. Alexiades. She notes that vitamin D also helps the body absorb and retain both calcium and phosphorus, key nutrients for making healthy bone. Consequences of low vitamin D, on the other hand, include rickets in children and weak bones in adults.

How much vitamin D your body needs depends on a number of factors, including your age. The National Institutes of Health recommends that adults between 19 and 70 years old get 15 micrograms, or 600 international units (UIs), of vitamin D every day.

However, studies show that vitamin D deficiency is quite common, and people in this age group may need a higher amount. It's best to consult your health care professional to determine what may be appropriate for you.

While the sun is an agent in helping the body produce vitamin D, it's not the only source. "You can also get vitamin D from a healthy diet that includes foods naturally rich in vitamin D, such as salmon, tuna, sardines, cod liver oil and egg yolks, or foods and beverages fortified with vitamin D, such as cereals, yogurt, milk and orange juice," says Dr. Alexiades.

Effects of not wearing sunscreen

“The risks of exposure to UV radiation without adequate sun protection far overshadow the risks of vitamin D deficiency from sunscreen use,” says Rachel Westbay, MD, a dermatologist at Marmur Medical and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Both UVA and UVB rays are known to induce skin cancer of all forms, including melanoma.”

The less serious and more common forms of skin cancer — basal and squamous cell — still “often require surgical removal that risks leaving a scar, which is frequently on the face and heals with an undesirable cosmetic outcome,” she adds.

There are aesthetic reasons to guard against sun exposure, too. Common signs of sun damage that can build up over the years may include broken capillaries, pigmentation changes like freckles and sunspots, uneven skin texture and wrinkling. "At its most severe, it can give the skin a thickened, leathery appearance," Dr. Westbay says.

It's important to note that the same sunscreen guidelines apply to everyone, regardless of skin tone. According to Dr. Westbay, the greater concentration of melanin (or skin pigment) in darker complexions does offer some protection from UV damage, but "the natural SPF protection from a darker complexion is not enough," she says.

In fact, sun damage can be especially hazardous in patients with deep skin tones because detection can be delayed, she says. That's why the majority of adults should have a full body skin screening done at least once a year.

Sunscreen products for your skin

Convinced that you should wear protector solar daily? Most dermatologists recommend a product with a minimum of SPF 30. One option is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk body and face sunscreen lotion with broad spectrum SPF 100, which may leave skin feeling hydrated and smooth. Those with darker skin may want to consider a sheer formula that disappears into the skin without leaving a chalky finish behind.

Sun protection: tips, facts & fiction

There are a lot of myths about sun protection. One myth is that SPF products are necessary only on sunny days. The truth is direct sun exposure, even on cloudy days, can cause damage. Another myth is that people with darker complexions don't need to worry about applying sunscreen. The truth is that even people with highly pigmented skin tones still need protection. Here are three tips for buying and wearing SPF products.

How often to apply sunscreen

Apply sunscreen everyday - at least 30 minutes before sun exposure - and often, reapplying at least every two hours. If you're swimming or sweating, look for a water-resistant formula like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer dry-touch SPF 30 sunscreen lotion, which can remain effective for 40 to 80 minutes in the water depending on the product. Be sure to reapply as directed by the package labeling for adequate protection; a mist like Sun Bum sunscreen spray (which has SPF 30) makes it quick and easy.

Este contenido es solo para fines informativos y no constituye un asesoramiento médico. Consult with your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.

Estas declaraciones no han sido evaluadas por la Administración de Medicamentos y Alimentos. Estos productos no están hechos para diagnosticar, tratar, curar ni prevenir ninguna enfermedad.