Does Sunscreen Block Vitamin D? Balancing Sun Safety and Vitamin D
The 'but I need sun for vitamin D' objection to daily sunscreen, settled with the AAD's actual position.
The AAD's position is that there is no safe level of UV exposure that maximizes vitamin D without raising skin cancer risk, and it recommends getting vitamin D from a balanced diet and/or supplements rather than deliberate sun exposure.
The American Academy of Dermatology advises that there is no safe amount of UV exposure that maximizes vitamin D without also increasing skin cancer risk, recommending diet and supplements instead.
Questions we get a lot
Does wearing sunscreen cause vitamin D deficiency?
The AAD's position is that you can meet vitamin D needs without deliberate UV exposure, recommending a balanced diet and supplements instead. There is no safe level of UV that maximizes vitamin D without raising skin cancer risk. Daily sunscreen use is not a reason to expect deficiency.
Should I get sun on purpose for vitamin D?
The AAD advises against deliberate sun exposure for vitamin D, since there is no safe UV level that boosts vitamin D without also increasing skin cancer risk. It recommends diet and supplements as safer sources. That keeps the benefit without the added risk.
Where should I get my vitamin D instead?
The AAD recommends obtaining vitamin D from a balanced diet and/or supplements rather than from deliberate sun exposure. This avoids the skin-cancer risk associated with UV. If you are concerned about your levels, talk to a healthcare provider about testing and supplementation.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'My friend skips sunscreen to get vitamin D - is that actually a good idea or am I right to push back?'
