Does sunscreen prevent people from getting enough vitamin 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 the 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, it is recommended 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. Macrene Alexiades, a dermatologist at the Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center of New York. 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 include rickets in children and weak bones in adults.

How much vitamin D someone's body needs depends on a number of factors, including age. It is recommended 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 some people may need a higher amount. It's best to consult a health care provider to determine what may be appropriate.

While the sun is an agent in helping the body produce vitamin D, it's not the only source. "People 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 (ultraviolet) 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 (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) 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 the skin

Most dermatologists recommend a product that offers broad-spectrum protection (protects against both UVA and UVB rays), has an SPF of 30 or higher and is water resistant. Las personas con darker skin may want to consider a sheer formula that disappears into the skin without leaving a chalky finish behind.

Sun protection: Tips, facts and 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 skin tones 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

Make sure to always follow the label instructions when applying sunscreen. It's generally recommended SPF sunscreen be applied at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied at least every two hours.

If someone is swimming or sweating, consider a water-resistant formula, which may 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. Spray sunscreens 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.