Sunscreens and Vitamin D ☀

Do sunscreens actually block vitamin D synthesis? Learn about the real impact of sunscreens on vitamin D and why supplementation may be necessary.

Sunscreens and Vitamin D Synthesis - Truth and Myths

Recently, there have been many messages on social media, the authors of which call for the cessation of using SPF, arguing that sunscreens block the synthesis of vitamin D. Have you wondered if this is actually the case?

How does vitamin D synthesis in the skin work?

Vitamin D is normally synthesized in human skin under the influence of solar radiation, especially UVB radiation. When the sun's rays reach our skin, vitamin D precursors in the skin are converted into the active form of vitamin D3.

Balance between sun protection and vitamin D synthesis

Creams and lotions with SPF do not block radiation 100%, so some of it always reaches the skin, especially from April to September, when the solar radiation is strong enough and the skin is exposed to the sun. During this period, if we stay outside for long enough, our body can synthesize an adequate amount of vitamin D. After all, we do not cover the entire skin with SPF - usually the feet in sandals, ears or hands are still exposed to the sun.

Vitamin D in autumn and winter: is supplementation necessary?

In the fall and winter, when solar radiation is weaker and we spend most of our time indoors, our skin is unable to produce enough vitamin D. In such cases, vitamin D supplementation may be necessary regardless of whether or not we use SPF.

Dietary Sources of Vitamin D and the Need for Supplementation

Eggs, yellow cheeses and oily fish are rich in vitamin D, so vegans must rely solely on supplementation. We encourage you to always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting a vitamin D supplement to determine the appropriate dose and check for any contraindications to its use.

Vitamin D supplementation will increase your levels, but the effects of photoaging and UVB on the skin are really hard to reverse. Repeated exposure to the sun without proper protection can cause serious and irreversible skin damage, so we recommend our natural cosmetics with SPF and consulting a doctor about vitamin D supplementation.

Fun fact:

As part of the "National Program of Free Vitamin D Testing in Adults", in February 2014, serum 25(OH)D concentration was measured using the DiaSorin Liaison XL system (CLIA method), and basic anthropometric measurements were performed, including calculation of the BMI (Body Mass Index). The study included 2687 adult volunteers (2091 women, 596 men) aged 54.2 ± 16.1 (15.6-89.8) from 10 Polish cities.

The results of the study, covering the largest Polish population to date in terms of numbers, are consistent with most current reports, confirming the very large scale of vitamin D deficiency in our country. The state of supply of vitamin D to the adult part of society, at least in the winter months, is unsatisfactory and requires action in the form of supplementation.

Trust the sun but check. Sunscreens are important in care.