Does Sunscreen Block Vitamin D?
May 13, 2024
It will soon be time for some fun in the sun and one might think it is a good opportunity to get some extra vitamin D, but can the use of sunscreen hinder vitamin D production?
Our expert, Mariela Mitre, M.D., Ph.D., a dermatologist at Hackensack University Medical Center, explains the connection between vitamin D and sunscreen.
Why is vitamin D important?
- “Vitamin D helps with calcium and phosphorus absorption, which helps keep bones strong.
- We can take in vitamin D through food, but UVB rays from the sun can also help initiate vitamin D synthesis in the body.
Vitamin D also has been shown to help us in many ways, such as reducing cancer cell growth, helping reduce inflammation and even contributes to controlling infections,” says Dr. Mitre.
Why is sunscreen use necessary?
“Daily sunscreen use is important to protect our skin from UVA and UVB rays,” says Dr. Mitre. Approximately 95 percent of the rays that we experience are UVA, which can cause skin aging but UVA rays cannot help initiate vitamin D production.
The other 5% of the sun’s rays are UVB rays, which can initiate vitamin D production in the skin but they also lead to sunburn. Both UVA and UVB cause damage and changes in the skin cells’ DNA, which can lead to skin cancer.
Can sunscreen stop vitamin D production?
While sunscreen is commonly thought to hinder vitamin D production in the skin, “studies have shown sunscreen used at maximum recommended amounts did not lead to lower vitamin D levels,” says Dr. Mitre.
Another study showed that blocking UVA rays through the use of sunscreen reduced the degradation of vitamin D in the skin, so it’s possible that sunscreen might help keep vitamin D levels stable.
How can you get vitamin D safely?
Given that UVB rays make up only 5% of the sun’s rays that you are exposed to, the benefits don’t outweigh the risks. “Sun exposure is not a safe way to increase vitamin D levels,” says Dr. Mitre.
Furthermore, one study showed that, for light-skinned individuals, about 5 minutes of unprotected sun exposure was enough to produce vitamin D. This amount can be achieved simply by walking to your car. Purposely going out in the sun without sunscreen only boosts negative outcomes of sun UV radiation exposure.
Additionally, the body’s process for using UVB rays to help synthesize vitamin D is complex. So, if you have a deficiency, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you aren’t getting enough sun light. “A vitamin D deficiency may be due to an issue with the chemical processes your body goes through to produce vitamin D,” says Dr. Mitre. If this is the case, getting more UVB rays won’t help.
If you are deficient in vitamin D, Dr. Mitre reports that there are several different foods that contain vitamin D, including but not limited to:
- Fatty fish
- Egg yolks
- Beef liver
- Fortified foods such as orange juice, milk or cereal
You can also take vitamin D supplements to help boost your levels.
Getting enough vitamin D is important, but ensure that you get it safely and effectively. “UV exposure is highly detrimental,” says Dr. Mitre, so don’t skip the sunscreen.
Next Steps & Resources:
- Meet our source: Mariela Mitre, M.D., Ph.D.
- To make an appointment with a dermatologist near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- Make an appointment for a skin cancer screening.
- Learn more about dermatology at Hackensack Meridian Health.
The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.
