Can Sunscreens Cause Vitamin D Deficiency?

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Do sunscreens cause vitamin D deficiency by blocking sunlight absorption?
No. Though sunscreens block sunlight absorption in the skin, they do not cause vitamin D deficiency. Applying sunscreens is important to prevent skin cancer, sunburn, and ageing. Vitamin D is essential for mineral balance, bone health, and prevention of diseases such as cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Skin produces vitamin D from 7-dehydrocholesterol after absorbing UV rays.

Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Vitamin D is a nutrient we obtain from our diet and sunlight absorption. The starting molecule (7-dehydrocholesterol) of vitamin D formation is already in our skin. When our skin absorbs the ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sunlight, it becomes vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). These rays lie in the range 290-320 nm (UV-B).

Sunlight is important to form vitamin D but can also harm the exposed skin. Commonly, we use sunscreens to protect our skin from harmful rays. The question arises whether sunscreens cause vitamin D deficiency in the body. 

What is the importance of vitamin D?

The ideal concentration of vitamin D lies between 20 ng/mL and 100 ng/mL in the blood. If the concentration falls below 20ng/mL of blood, it is labelled as vitamin D deficiency. 

The primary role of vitamin D is to maintain levels of calcium, phosphate, and magnesium in the blood. It is important for bone formation. Low levels of vitamin D may increase the chances of developing cancer, especially colorectal cancer. This fat-soluble vitamin plays a role in arresting cell division and growth in cancer.

Vitamin D has a hand in maintaining a healthy heart. It has a protective effect on the cells and vessels of the cardiovascular system. Normal levels of vitamin D maintain blood pressure. Vitamin D regulates immune responses. There is a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and the prevalence of autoimmune disorders like juvenile diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Also, consistent vitamin D deficiency is known to be a factor in the causation of Parkinson’s disease. 

What are sunscreens, and what are their benefits?

Sunscreens are chemical lotions or creams applied over the skin to neutralise the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays on the skin. They are assigned an SPF (sun protection factor) depending on how much protection they provide against UV light. If the SPF of a sunscreen is 20, it means the sunscreen-applied skin can bear 20 times more UV rays than the bare skin.

  • They have been advantageous in preventing sunburns (erythema) even when UV exposure is high. 
  • UV exposure damages DNA in the cells, which develops into skin cancer. Sunscreens are proven to prevent this DNA damage, and thus, are useful against skin cancers.
  • Exposure to the sun can lead to ageing signs like wrinkles and pigmentation. Sunscreens are effective in preventing these photoaging signs by blocking out UV rays.

Does wearing sunscreen cause vitamin D deficiency?

Our bodies absorb UV-B rays from the sun to form vitamin D. Sunscreens protect our skin by blocking these UV-B rays. It follows that applying sunscreen will stop vitamin D formation. Laboratory experiments with artificially generated UV radiation support this hypothesis. However, field trials found no effect of daily sunscreen, outweighing the results of the laboratory studies.

Internationally, SPF for sunscreens is calculated for a thickness of 2mg/cm2. However, consumers apply a lower amount, ranging between 0.5 and 1.5mg/cm2. Studies suggest sunscreen application at lower levels doesn’t restrict vitamin D production. 

The question of whether applying sunscreen causes vitamin D deficiency is more prominent for the photosensitive population (extremely prone to damage by sun rays). Research has again shown the same result. Though this population may use sunscreen frequently, they do not have a likelihood of vitamin D deficiency.

Studies disapprove of the correlation between the use of sunscreen and vitamin D deficiency. There is yet another thing to consider: how much sunlight is required to produce vitamin D? Exposing the face, arms, hands, and legs, without sunscreen, for 5 to 30 minutes a day to sunshine for most days a week is enough for sufficient vitamin D formation. 

Sunscreen does not cause vitamin D deficiency in our bodies. If you are still worried about not getting enough vitamin D, consume more vitamin D-rich foods like eggs, fish, mushrooms, cheese, and milk. It is also important to avoid alcohol as excessive consumption of alcohol may also cause vitamin D deficiency.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Do sunscreens cause vitamin D deficiency by blocking sunlight absorption?
No. Though sunscreens block sunlight absorption in the skin, they do not cause vitamin D deficiency. Applying sunscreens is important to prevent skin cancer, sunburn, and ageing. Vitamin D is essential for mineral balance, bone health, and prevention of diseases such as cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Skin produces vitamin D from 7-dehydrocholesterol after absorbing UV rays.

Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Do sunscreens cause vitamin D deficiency by blocking sunlight absorption?
No. Though sunscreens block sunlight absorption in the skin, they do not cause vitamin D deficiency. Applying sunscreens is important to prevent skin cancer, sunburn, and ageing. Vitamin D is essential for mineral balance, bone health, and prevention of diseases such as cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Skin produces vitamin D from 7-dehydrocholesterol after absorbing UV rays.

Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Do sunscreens cause vitamin D deficiency by blocking sunlight absorption?
No. Though sunscreens block sunlight absorption in the skin, they do not cause vitamin D deficiency. Applying sunscreens is important to prevent skin cancer, sunburn, and ageing. Vitamin D is essential for mineral balance, bone health, and prevention of diseases such as cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Skin produces vitamin D from 7-dehydrocholesterol after absorbing UV rays.

Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Do sunscreens cause vitamin D deficiency by blocking sunlight absorption?
No. Though sunscreens block sunlight absorption in the skin, they do not cause vitamin D deficiency. Applying sunscreens is important to prevent skin cancer, sunburn, and ageing. Vitamin D is essential for mineral balance, bone health, and prevention of diseases such as cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Skin produces vitamin D from 7-dehydrocholesterol after absorbing UV rays.

Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Do sunscreens cause vitamin D deficiency by blocking sunlight absorption?
No. Though sunscreens block sunlight absorption in the skin, they do not cause vitamin D deficiency. Applying sunscreens is important to prevent skin cancer, sunburn, and ageing. Vitamin D is essential for mineral balance, bone health, and prevention of diseases such as cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Skin produces vitamin D from 7-dehydrocholesterol after absorbing UV rays.

Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

More in

Questions
Fact Check
Interviews
Stories
Videos
Do sunscreens cause vitamin D deficiency by blocking sunlight absorption?
No. Though sunscreens block sunlight absorption in the skin, they do not cause vitamin D deficiency. Applying sunscreens is important to prevent skin cancer, sunburn, and ageing. Vitamin D is essential for mineral balance, bone health, and prevention of diseases such as cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Skin produces vitamin D from 7-dehydrocholesterol after absorbing UV rays.

Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Do sunscreens cause vitamin D deficiency by blocking sunlight absorption?
No. Though sunscreens block sunlight absorption in the skin, they do not cause vitamin D deficiency. Applying sunscreens is important to prevent skin cancer, sunburn, and ageing. Vitamin D is essential for mineral balance, bone health, and prevention of diseases such as cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Skin produces vitamin D from 7-dehydrocholesterol after absorbing UV rays.

Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Do sunscreens cause vitamin D deficiency by blocking sunlight absorption?
No. Though sunscreens block sunlight absorption in the skin, they do not cause vitamin D deficiency. Applying sunscreens is important to prevent skin cancer, sunburn, and ageing. Vitamin D is essential for mineral balance, bone health, and prevention of diseases such as cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Skin produces vitamin D from 7-dehydrocholesterol after absorbing UV rays.

Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Do sunscreens cause vitamin D deficiency by blocking sunlight absorption?
No. Though sunscreens block sunlight absorption in the skin, they do not cause vitamin D deficiency. Applying sunscreens is important to prevent skin cancer, sunburn, and ageing. Vitamin D is essential for mineral balance, bone health, and prevention of diseases such as cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Skin produces vitamin D from 7-dehydrocholesterol after absorbing UV rays.

Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Do sunscreens cause vitamin D deficiency by blocking sunlight absorption?
No. Though sunscreens block sunlight absorption in the skin, they do not cause vitamin D deficiency. Applying sunscreens is important to prevent skin cancer, sunburn, and ageing. Vitamin D is essential for mineral balance, bone health, and prevention of diseases such as cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Skin produces vitamin D from 7-dehydrocholesterol after absorbing UV rays.

Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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