Can using sunscreen limit the production of vitamin D? Let's talk about it.

The deficiency of vitamin D is very common, especially among women. Also called the "sun vitamin," vitamin D plays a fundamental role in the health of our body to keep our bones healthy but also for overall well-being. 

Vitamin D is naturally produced by our body when we are exposed to sunlight, the same UVB and UVA solar rays that are harmful to the skin and can cause skin cancer, as well as sunburns and an acceleration of the skin aging process.

So we find ourselves in an uncomfortable situation? Can we protect ourselves from the sun's rays and the harmful effects of sun exposure? Or is shielding and protecting the skin with sunscreen no longer sufficient? Let's find out together.

The role of vitamin D in our body

Although vitamin D can be supplemented and is found in many common foods, it is well known that the sun is the best source of vitamin D. Skin exposed to sunlight spontaneously produces this vitamin: UVB rays interact with a protein called 7-DHC which transforms into vitamin D3, that is, the active form of vitamin D.

What happens to the body without a sufficient amount of vitamin D? There are serious health consequences, including: osteoporosis, systemic weakness, cancer, and depression.

This vitamin indeed contributes to:

• Regulate calcium and phosphorus homeostasis to maintain bone mineralization and ensure normal bone development; 
• Regulate cell differentiation and growth to reduce the risk of colorectal and breast cancer; 
• Strengthens the immune system and reduces susceptibility or severity of autoimmune diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus. 

Vitamin D is essential at the skin level as it helps and regulates the skin's immune response, has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, regulates the production of skin lipids, and contributes to inhibiting the development of skin carcinomas. 

For these reasons, it is essential to expose oneself to the sun whenever possible to synthesize this precious resource. But how can this be done without incurring the problems associated with the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays? Simple, through adequate protection: a sunscreen capable of protecting the skin, a suitable filter to limit the damage caused by ultraviolet rays.

Does sunscreen block the absorption of vitamin D?

This is then the fateful question. Well, the studies conducted so far have not demonstrated a clear correlation between Vitamin D deficiency and sun protection.

When exposed to the sun, the use of a sunscreen becomes essential to protect the skin and its youth by preventing sunburn, premature skin aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. 

Sun filters work by blocking UV rays and thus preventing skin damage. Several scientific studies have emerged around sun protection and Vitamin D intake, and they all seem to reach the same conclusion: 

• Creams and sunscreens with low protection factor do not limit the intake of vitamin D in any way;
• The creams and the most powerful sunscreens can have a mild effect on vitamin D synthesis but not in a way that negatively counterbalances the benefits they provide to the skin..

Furthermore, according to various studies, to limit even slightly the intake of vitamin D, high SPF creams should be applied in such quantities and with multiple applications over time; thus, it becomes almost impossible for a person to use so much sunscreen that it significantly reduces vitamin D intake..

The answer to the question then seems clear: exposing oneself to the sun for at least 10-15 minutes a day while taking care to expose arms, face, and hands to the sun's rays is essential for producing vitamin D, and it is crucial to do so with adequate sun protection based on our skin type, which allows us to eliminate the harmful effects of the sun's rays. Nothing should therefore suggest the elimination of sunscreen, as research considers it fundamental for health protection.

The benefits of sun protection for the skin 

Let us then try to delve into what are the advantages of conscious use of sunscreen on the skin and what are the fundamentals to keep in mind to maintain the health and beauty of one's skin in the long term.

First of all, it is essential to consider the critical role of PRsun protection in reducing the risk of skin cancer. Controlled studies have shown that the regular application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher can substantially reduce the chances of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and melanoma by 50%.

This happens because the ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can damage the cellular DNA of the skin, causing genetic mutations that predispose to the development of skin tumors. Sunscreen acts as an effective shield, blocking harmful UV rays and thus reducing the risk of such mutations.

Another significant benefit of sunscreen is its role in delaying premature skin aging. Unprotected exposure to UV rays can accelerate the skin aging process, manifesting as:

• wrinkles:
• dark spots;
• loss of elasticity. 

By regularly using sunscreen, one can significantly reduce the onset of these signs of aging, keeping the skin younger and healthier over time. Eco Defence 50 Spf helps protect the skin from harmful sun rays and prevents photoaging. It also contains a concentration of Pine, Mallow, Marshmallow, and Calendula organic antioxidant and soothing extracts. 

Furthermore, sun protection is not only about the skin, but it also has a significant impact on eye health. Harmful UV radiation can damage the eyes, increasing the risk of cataracts, eyelid tumors, and other eye disorders.

Applying sunscreen around the eyes or wearing UV protection sunglasses can help protect this delicate area from the harmful effects of sunlight.

How to Expose Yourself to Sunlight: Rules and Tips

According to scientific evidence, there are rules and guidelines for behavior that can be used to expose oneself to sunlight and synthesize vitamin D without worries. 

The time needed to be exposed to sunlight to obtain an adequate amount of vitamin D depends on several factors, including skin type, latitude, season, time of day, and other individual factors. However, there are some general guidelines to consider.

For example, people with darker skin need longer exposures compared to those with lighter skin to produce the same amount of vitamin D. Additionally, people living farther from the equator tend to receive less UVB rays during the winter, thus reducing the ability to produce vitamin D through sun exposure. 

Exposure to the sun is most effective during the central hours of the day when the sun is highest in the sky, but this is also the time when adequate sun protection is most needed. Let's now look at some general considerations:

• For people with lighter skin, exposing themselves to the sun for about 10-15 minutes a day on the face, arms, legs, or back uncovered may be enough to produce sufficient vitamin D.
• People with darker skin need longer exposure times, up to 20-30 minutes a day, to achieve adequate levels of vitamin D.

Vitamin D is produced when the skin exposed to sunlight absorbs UVB rays. The ideal areas of the body for exposure are the face, arms, and hands; if conditions allow, it is possible to expose the legs and back.

Sunscreen and vitamin D production: let's sum it up

Vitamin D is essential for bone health and overall well-being, but its production mainly occurs through exposure to UVB sunlight, raising the question of whether the use of sunscreen, necessary to prevent skin damage such as sunburn and premature aging, may interfere with the absorption of vitamin D.

The use of sunscreen is crucial to prevent skin damage, including melanoma and premature aging. The studies conducted to date have not demonstrated a significant correlation between the use of sunscreen and vitamin D deficiency.

High SPF sunscreens can reduce the amount of vitamin D synthesized, but usually not to a degree that compromises the skin health benefits. Therefore, one can be assured and continue to protect themselves. Sunscreen remains essential to prevent skin damage and the risk of cancer. 

Sources: 

https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2020.1789047 

https://www.fondazioneveronesi.it/magazine/articoli/lesperto-risponde/se-proteggo-la-pelle-dal-sole-rischio-carenze-di-vitamina-d