Does using sunscreen lead to Vitamin D deficiency?
Written by Danielle Marquez
The rumor that using SPF on our skin blocks Vitamin D has been circulating for some time, and after a cold and sunless winter all we crave is the warmth of the sun. I mean, isn’t the sun healthy for us? Don’t we need vitamin D?
Feeling like the sun is natural and good for us, is in fact how we make Vitamin D, but we also know we need sunscreen, and this is what’s led the "clean" beauty movement.
Getting outside is vital for our wellbeing, so let’s talk SPF. There are two types, “physical” from earth minerals that are safe, and less likely to cause a reaction, and Chemical, more likely to cause a reaction, synthetic chemicals, and some of these have been linked to cancer.
Do we really need to go outside? Of course, there are benefits to enjoying sunshine, ,including regulating our sleep clock, circadian rhythm, connecting with nature, positively enhancing our mental health, and increased physical activity for blood circulation and oxygenation.
The key point here is that there is NO plus side to unprotected UV exposure. Not even to prevent vitamin D deficiency.
If I’m a very dark skinned person, do I still need sunscreen? Yes. Unfortunately, our ozone has been compromised and every living person is susceptible to skin cancer. However, the darker your skin color, the larger your melanin granules within your skin are, so you may not burn as quickly, but UV radiation will go after us all if we’re not careful.
As a cancer survivor, I take Vitamin D3 daily, as many of us are deficient, and wear Hale and Hush Broad Spectrum SPF 30 daily. A wide brimmed hat and long sleeves are my other go to’s.
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