Sunscreen can reduce the harmful effects of the sun, but there are concerns that it could inhibit the body's production of vitamin D. However, in a new study, researchers recorded an increase in vitamin D in participants during a week of cloudless weather, with a very high UV index, even when sunscreens were used properly and sunburn was avoided.
Sunlight contains UVA and UVB radiation, which are essential for vitamin D synthesis. Two sunscreens with the same SPF were compared. Sunscreen with a high UVA protection factor allowed significantly higher vitamin D synthesis than a low UVA protection factor sunscreen, probably because it allows more UVB transmission. The findings indicate that the benefits of sunscreen can be obtained without affecting vitamin D levels.
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"Sunlight is the main source of vitamin D. Sunscreens can prevent sunburns and skin cancer, but there has been a lot of uncertainty about the effects of sunscreens on vitamin D," said the lead author. “Our study, during a week of perfect weather in Tenerife, showed that even when used optimally to prevent sunburn, sunscreens enabled excellent vitamin D synthesis.”
