Can Sunscreen Use Impact Vitamin D Production And Increase Vitamin D Deficiency Risk? (2024)

Summer or winter, experts recommend using sunscreen at all times to protect skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and reduce the risk of skin cancer. In fact, Dr Priyanka Kuri, Consultant Dermatologist, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, advises opting for a sunscreen labelled 'broad-spectrum' to shield against both UVA and UVB rays, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays that contribute to skin ageing, cancer, and sunburn.

However, some people worry that sunscreen use might interfere with or affect vitamin D production, given that sunlight is the best natural source of this essential nutrient. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in helping the body absorb calcium and phosphate, which are vital for maintaining healthy bones and teeth and reducing the risk of conditions like osteoporosis. In this article, we try to find out whether or not applying sunscreen impacts vitamin D absorption and causes vitamin D deficiency.

Also Read:Explainer: Can Sunscreen Protect Against Skin Cancer?

Does Sunscreen Use Influence Vitamin D Production And Increase Vitamin D Deficiency Risk?

Unfortunately, using sunscreen can affect the skin's ability to produce vitamin D, says Dr Kuri.

However, the impact is generally minimal when used properly, she notes.

She explains, “Sunscreen functions by either blocking or absorbing UV radiation from the sun, particularly UVB rays, which are essential for the skin to produce vitamin D. When sunscreen is applied in a thick layer and reapplied frequently, it can significantly decrease the production of vitamin D.”

The good and bad news is that in real-world use, most people do not apply sunscreen as thoroughly or frequently as recommended, so some UVB rays still reach the skin, allowing for vitamin D production.

Hence, Dr Kuri emphasises the importance of finding the right balance between sun protection and vitamin D production and for those worried about their vitamin D levels, she advises spending short periods of time in the sun without sunscreen or thinking about taking vitamin D supplements, especially for individuals at risk of deficiency.

Understanding Vitamin D Deficiency And Its Symptoms

A lack of vitamin D can lead to various health issues, causing several symptoms.

“One significant concern is compromised bone health, as vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption. This deficiency can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis in adults and rickets in children, resulting in fragile bones and a heightened risk of fractures,” says Dr. Kuri.

According to StatPearls Publishing, insufficient vitamin D leads to decreased calcium absorption, resulting in low blood calcium, also called hypocalcemia. To compensate for the loss, the parathyroid glands push harder, drawing calcium from bones. This weakens bones, causing conditions like osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children.

Furthermore, insufficient vitamin D has been associated with an increased likelihood of cardiovascular issues, a diminished immune response, and certain autoimmune disorders. Symptoms may include bone discomfort, muscle weakness, fatigue, and, in more severe instances, depression. Individuals may also face frequent infections or delayed wound healing.

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How To Balance Sun Protection With Adequate Vitamin Absorption

To ensure that you’re getting enough sunlight while simultaneously protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, Dr Kuri recommends a few balancing tips. These include:

• Aiming for short, daily periods of sun exposure without sunscreen, typically 10–30 minutes depending on skin type, location, and time of day, can help the body produce enough vitamin D while minimising the risk of skin damage.
• Applying sunscreen after one has had some sun exposure helps the skin have enough time to synthesise vitamin D. Reapplying sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating, maintains good skin health.
• Incorporating vitamin D-rich foods into the diet, such as fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, and sardines), fortified foods (like milk, orange juice, and cereals), and egg yolks, assists in the generation of vitamin D in the body.
• Although supplementary vitamin D tablets are prescribed to people with higher levels of deficiency, it is always advised to move away from their dependency and adopt natural remedies.

[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]