Should You Skip Sunscreen for Vitamin D? What the Research Shows
The 'sunscreen blocks vitamin D' argument sounds convincing online — but an international expert panel found the evidence doesn't back skipping SPF.
An international expert panel review found no good evidence that everyday sunscreen use causes population-level vitamin D deficiency, and concluded that vitamin D needs can be met through diet or supplements.
The international panel of experts concluded that the risks of unprotected UV exposure far outweigh any vitamin D concern, and that diet and supplements provide a safe alternative to deliberately skipping sun protection.
Questions we get a lot
Does sunscreen cause vitamin D deficiency?
An international panel of experts reviewing the evidence found no good support for the idea that everyday sunscreen use causes population-level vitamin D deficiency. In real-world use, people don't apply sunscreen perfectly or cover every inch of skin, and incidental exposure remains. The feared deficiency simply isn't borne out at the population level.
Should I skip sunscreen to get more vitamin D?
No. The expert panel concluded that the risks of unprotected UV exposure far outweigh any vitamin D concern. Deliberately going without sunscreen raises skin cancer and aging risk for a benefit you can get more safely elsewhere. Keep your sunscreen and address vitamin D through diet or supplements.
How can I get vitamin D without sun exposure?
Vitamin D needs can be met through diet — foods like fatty fish and fortified products — and through supplements, which the expert panel highlighted as the safe route. This lets you maintain healthy levels without trading away sun protection. If you're concerned about your levels, ask your clinician about testing.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'Everyone online keeps telling me to ditch sunscreen so I can get vitamin D — is that legit or just an anti-SPF talking point?'