We all know that sun cream protects us from harmful sunlight but how does sunscreen affect Vitamin D production?
Here we look at the evidence and show you how to support your Vitamin D levels while staying safe in the sun.
Why is Vitamin D known as the sunshine vitamin?
Vitamin D supports healthy bones, muscles, nails and teeth and in the UK you can find Vitamin D in dietary sources such as oily fish, red meat, eggs and supplements.
Vitamin D can also be generated through sun exposure and this has given Vitamin D the nickname ‘the sunshine vitamin’.
Does sunscreen block Vitamin D?
Sunscreen blocks a very high percentage of UV rays, which reduces the amount of Vitamin D production that comes from sun exposure. Whilst sunscreen does not block Vitamin D production entirely as a small amount of UV light still reaches the skin, it does reduce it substantially.
If we get a good UK summer and there’s plenty of sunshine, getting outdoors gives you a great chance to top up your Vitamin D. However, it is essential that this is always done safely.
Charlotte Vohtz says:
“Most people can synthesise enough Vitamin D during the summer by spending a short time in the sun without sunscreen, with hands, forearms or lower legs uncovered.[i]
This should only ever be done safely, and great care should be taken to ensure your sun does not redden or burn.”
How to get Vitamin D through sun exposure
Most people can synthesise enough Vitamin D during the summer by spending a short time in the sun without sunscreen, with hands, forearms or lower legs uncovered.[i]
This should only ever be done safely and great care should be taken to ensure your sun does not redden or burn.
If you do decide to support your Vitamin D levels by spending a short time in the sun without sun cream the following tips can help to reduce your risk of experiencing skin reddening.
- Avoid sitting in the sun during the hottest hours of the day, around 11-3pm
- Wear facial sun cream and a hat. The face produces very little Vitamin D and you are more likely to develop Vitamin D from exposing the arms or legs to sunlight
- Avoid sitting in direct sunlight, consider going for a short walk instead
- Keep hydrated and wear loose, light clothing to stop the skin from overheating
- Seek shade after a short time and then apply sun cream before you return outside
It remains important to apply sun cream regularly and liberally during the hottest hours of the day and when exposing your skin for the sun for a prolonged period of time.
Green People sun creams are designed to offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB sun rays. For our highest protection, choose SPF30 and reapply this liberally and often, and always after swimming.
Shop natural and organic sunscreen
Our easy-to-apply, natural and organic sun creams can be used all over the body and we also offer high-factor SPF skin care products for the face.
Our high-factor SPF30 Scent Free Sun Creams are ideal for sensitive and eczema-prone skin and are the best choice if you are prone to prickly heat or find that your skin burns easily.
More ways to get Vitamin D in the UK
According to Gov.co.uk, approximately 1 in 6 people living in the UK has low levels of vitamin D and 1 in 5 children have lower levels of vitamin D than the government recommends[i].
Exposing your arms to the summer sun for a short time can be enough to stimulate Vitamin D synthesis in the body but it is nigh on impossible to rely on the British weather to get all the Vitamin D you need for 365 days a year.
That’s why the NHS encourages taking a Vitamin D supplement[i], especially during the autumn and winter months. Supplements can be purchased in health stores and pharmacies and it is especially important that you take the right amount for your age and needs.
Some groups can be particularly vulnerable to Vitamin D deficiency and if you fall into one of the following categories identified by the NHS website, it is a good idea to talk to your GP or pharmacist about supporting your Vitamin D intake through dietary sources:
- Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding
- Infants not consuming more than 500ml of infant formula daily
- Children aged 1 to 4
- Those that spend a lot of time indoors
- Those from Black and South Asian communities
The NHS has special guidelines for supplementing Vitamin D needs during infanthood, childhood and pregnancy[ii] and also advises those with very dark skin to consider supporting their Vitamin D intake from other sources than sun lighti.
Would you like to find out more about our natural and organic sunscreen collection? Our UK customer care team can help you to find you the best sun cream for your skin type and can be contacted on 01403 740350 or on organic@greenpeople.co.uk
[i] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/
[ii] https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/vitamins-supplements-and-nutrition/
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