Does sunscreen cause vitamin D deficiency? Know what expert says

By Roshni TamtaFirst Published May 9, 2024, 3:04 PM IST
Highlights

Vitamin D is an essential micronutrient for the overall health and well-being of the body. Applying sunscreen may increase the absorption of UV rays, but it does not interfere with the vitamin D levels in the body and does not cause deficiency. 

Sunscreen is the most important element in any person's skincare routine. Any skin enthusiast will tell you to use sunscreen before heading out in the sun to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. 

However, several people believe that applying sunscreen can cause vitamin D deficiency as it blocks the absorption of UVB rays into the skin, which are responsible for the synthesis of vitamin D in the body. 

There are infinite rumors on the internet about the effect of sunscreen on vitamin D production in the human body, but what do the experts say? What is the real science behind it? Does applying sunscreen lead to vitamin D deficiency? 

Read ahead to get answers to all these questions and more. 

Vitamin D and your skin 

Vitamin D is an important micronutrient that can be obtained from several food items, such as fish, meat, egg yolks, and mushrooms. One can also take supplements, and of course, the sun also stimulates vitamin D production in the body. Low vitamin D levels can cause several health issues, such as increased muscle and bone pain, fatigue, weak immunity, and many more. 

 

 

Also Read: Acne control to antiaging: Know these benefits of rubbing ice on face

Vitamin D deficiency also affects skin and hair health. Low levels can cause acne, skin rashes, and a rise in eczema and psoriasis. It can also cause hair fall, as vitamin D is linked to keratinocytes, a type of cell essential for hair growth. 

Does sunscreen cause vitamin D deficiency?

As per several dermatologists and researchers, sunscreen does not affect the vitamin D levels of your body. No person applies the high amount of sunscreen required to block all the UV rays from the sun. 

Experts revealed that a large number of people do not reapply sunscreen after sweating or any physical activity, which enables the body to absorb UV rays. 

 

 

Also Read: Vitamin D deficiency: 5 Key symptoms you need to know

It is proven that applying sunscreen does not block all the UV rays and thus does not cause vitamin D deficiency. It is crucial to understand the role of sunscreen and also get an adequate amount of vitamin D via diet or supplements for an overall healthy body. 

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