Vitamin D, does your skin produce enough when you apply sunscreen?
Thu 4 June 2020 by Lianne Van den Bosch
Have you applied sunscreen well in the past few days? The sun has already shone a lot and the strong sun power allowed an unprotected skin to burn very quickly. Protection from the bright sun is of course very important, but did you know that sunscreen also blocks the production of vitamin D?
How is vitamin D produced?
Our body, our skin, can produce vitamin D3 under the influence of sunlight. The ultraviolet radiation (UV-B) from sunlight activates the production of provitamin D, which is then converted into vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). This sounds simple, but there are a number of conditions attached to it. This process is only started when the sun power is at least 3. For sufficient vitamin D production, it is recommended to expose yourself to the sun for at least a quarter to half an hour between 12:00 and 15:00. In addition, children, the elderly and people with a tinted or dark skin tone produce less vitamin D.
But isn’t the sun strongest and most damaging in the afternoon?
Burning the skin is extremely harmful. It damages the skin, accelerates the skin aging process and increases the risk of skin cancer.
To protect you well against the sun, the following advice applies, among others:
- Avoid the sun in the afternoon between noon and 3 PM.
- Find the shadow in time.
- Wear protective clothing.
- Apply well and regularly with sunscreen.
Does my skin produce enough vitamin D when I use sunscreen?
Using sunscreen when exposed to the sun is advice No. 1 to protect your skin from the sun. However, this sunscreen blocks the sun, that’s what it’s made for. This means that the production of vitamin D is also inhibited. Sunscreen with factor already reduces production by 95%. Sunburn with a factor of 15 or higher ensures that the skin cannot produce vitamin D.
What are the consequences of a vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D is the most important resistance vitamin, it ensures a strong immune system. The immune system combats pathogens. A lack of vitamin D can cause a low resistance, which makes you more susceptible to diseases and infections. In addition, a high vitamin D content is important for strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D deficiency weakens your bones and can eventually cause bone loss or osteoporosis. In children, a deficiency can cause a bone defect, rickets. Calcium absorption is influenced by vitamin D, which is also important for good muscle function.
How can I supplement vitamin D?
Get enough vitamin D in your body and prevent a vitamin D deficiency. The sun is the main source of vitamin D, but getting vitamin D through nutrition is essential to make up for a deficiency. Oily fish is an important source of vitamin D. A supplement can easily provide you with enough vitamin D. Preferably take a natural supplement, with natural vitamin D, such as Möller’s Omega-3. Rich in natural vitamin D, but also in the healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen and take a vitamin D supplement to maintain your vitamin D status.
