file photo by Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, as warmer days approach, you might be planning to spend more time outdoors. And while sunlight is often associated with a natural boost in vitamin D, many people wonder: Does wearing sunscreen block vitamin D production?
We spoke with Dr. Mariela Mitre, M.D., Ph.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Hackensack University Medical Center, to separate fact from fiction and help you make informed choices about your skin health.
???? Why Is Vitamin D Important?
Vitamin D plays a vital role in overall health. According to Dr. Mitre:
“Vitamin D helps with calcium and phosphorus absorption, keeping bones strong. It also supports the immune system, reduces inflammation, and may even slow cancer cell growth.”
Vitamin D can be:
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Absorbed from food (like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified products)
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Synthesized through UVB exposure from sunlight
Why Is Sunscreen So Important?
Daily sunscreen use is essential for skin protection, says Dr. Mitre:
“UVA rays, which make up about 95% of sun exposure, cause skin aging. UVB rays—just 5%—are responsible for sunburns and also trigger vitamin D production. However, both can damage DNA in skin cells and increase skin cancer risk.”
That’s why broad-spectrum sunscreen, which blocks both UVA and UVB rays, is a critical part of your daily routine—even on cloudy days.
Can Sunscreen Block Vitamin D?
This is a common concern, but studies show otherwise:
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Research has found that even when sunscreen is used at the recommended levels, it does not significantly lower vitamin D levels.
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One study even suggests that sunscreen may reduce the breakdown of vitamin D in the skin by blocking harmful UVA rays.
In short, sunscreen doesn’t stop your body from getting the vitamin D it needs—especially when used properly.
How to Get Vitamin D Safely
Dr. Mitre emphasizes that seeking sun exposure is not a safe method for boosting vitamin D:
“For light-skinned individuals, just 5 minutes of unprotected sunlight can help generate vitamin D. That’s as simple as walking to your car. Beyond that, the risks of UV damage outweigh the benefits.”
If you are deficient in vitamin D, sunlight may not even be the root issue. Vitamin D production depends on complex chemical processes in the body.
Safe sources of vitamin D include:
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Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
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Egg yolks
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Beef liver
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Fortified foods (milk, cereal, orange juice)
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Vitamin D supplements (consult your doctor first)
The Bottom Line: Don’t Skip the Sunscreen
Sunscreen is not your enemy when it comes to vitamin D. Dr. Mitre reminds us:
“UV exposure is highly detrimental. The safest and most effective way to get enough vitamin D is through diet and supplements—not unprotected sun exposure.”
Next Steps & Resources
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Meet Dr. Mariela Mitre, M.D., Ph.D., Dermatologist at Hackensack University Medical Center
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Schedule a skin cancer screening: Call 800-822-8905 or visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org
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Learn more about our dermatology services and how to care for your skin year-round
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