file photo by Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, As summer approaches and we look forward to fun in the sun, many wonder if it’s a good opportunity to get some extra vitamin D. But can using sunscreen hinder vitamin D production? Mariela Mitre, M.D., Ph.D., a dermatologist at Hackensack University Medical Center, sheds light on this topic.
The Importance of Vitamin D
“Vitamin D helps with calcium and phosphorus absorption, which keeps bones strong,” explains Dr. Mitre. “While we can get vitamin D from food, UVB rays from the sun also help initiate vitamin D synthesis in the body.” Vitamin D has multiple benefits, including reducing cancer cell growth, decreasing inflammation, and controlling infections.
Why Sunscreen is Necessary
Dr. Mitre emphasizes, “Daily sunscreen use is important to protect our skin from UVA and UVB rays.” About 95% of the sun’s rays are UVA, which can cause skin aging but do not help with vitamin D production. The remaining 5% are UVB rays, which initiate vitamin D production but also cause sunburn. Both types of rays can damage skin cells’ DNA, leading to skin cancer.
Can Sunscreen Inhibit Vitamin D Production?
While some believe that sunscreen hinders vitamin D production, Dr. Mitre clarifies, “Studies have shown that using sunscreen at the maximum recommended amounts did not lead to lower vitamin D levels.” In fact, blocking UVA rays with sunscreen can reduce the degradation of vitamin D in the skin, potentially helping to maintain stable vitamin D levels.
Safe Ways to Get Vitamin D
Given that UVB rays make up only a small fraction of the sun’s rays, Dr. Mitre advises against using sun exposure as a primary source of vitamin D. “Sun exposure is not a safe way to increase vitamin D levels,” she says. For light-skinned individuals, about five minutes of unprotected sun exposure is enough to produce vitamin D, which can be easily achieved by simple outdoor activities like walking to your car.
Additionally, vitamin D deficiency can result from issues with the body’s chemical processes rather than insufficient sunlight. In such cases, increasing UVB exposure won’t help. Instead, Dr. Mitre recommends getting vitamin D from:
- Fatty fish
- Egg yolks
- Beef liver
- Fortified foods like orange juice, milk, and cereal
- Vitamin D supplements
Conclusion
Ensuring adequate vitamin D is crucial, but it’s important to do so safely. “UV exposure is highly detrimental,” warns Dr. Mitre, “so don’t skip the sunscreen.”
Next Steps & Resources
- Meet our source: Mariela Mitre, M.D., Ph.D.
- Make an appointment: Call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
- Schedule a skin cancer screening.
- Learn more: Explore dermatology at Hackensack Meridian Health.
The information provided by HealthU is for general purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your physician for personal health care.
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