Sunscreen is untouchable. SPF is a religious practise. You should always use sunscreen. It is a well-known truth that this specific skincare item possesses abilities found nowhere else. It literally has no faults and is the golden kid; at least, that was the case until lately, when some criticism was levelled at it. According to a rumour, using sunscreen for an extended period of time decreases your body’s capacity to synthesise vitamin D, leading to a deficit.According to study, SPF protection forms a barrier over your skin to block UV rays, which are responsible for producing vitamin D in the body. The only option left is Sophie’s Choice, both of which have an immediate effect on our skin. To what degree these studies are accurate, and if so, what is the best approach to have our cake and eat it too, experts were consulted.
A connection between vitamin D and skin
An vital mineral, vitamin D is obtained through foods like oily fish, egg yolks, and milk as well as from the sun and supplements. The UVB rays of sunshine stimulate the body to produce vitamin D. Dr. Jaishree Sharad, MD Skinfiniti Aesthetic & Laser Clinic, Mumbai, breaks down the significance of the vitamin, stating that vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and that adequate levels boost the body’s absorption of calcium and phosphorus. It aids in immune system control, skin cell renewal, and wound healing. Due to its antioxidant properties, it provides defence against dangerous free radicals as well as UV photoprotection. Five minutes of sun exposure, two to three times a week, is sufficient for a person with fair skin to synthesise enough vitamin D.
A vitamin D deficiency is never a good thing and can cause a number of health problems, including brittle bones and muscles, exhaustion, lowered immunity, and much more. Lack of the vitamin also creates a whole other set of problems because it is directly related to your skin. Vitamin D deficiency might contribute to recurrent outbreaks because the antioxidant qualities of the vitamin help prevent acne, says Dr. Harshana Bijlani, MD, AgeLess Clinic, Mumbai. Lower vitamin D levels can alter hormones, which can cause skin rashes and acne. Vitamin D also aids in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis.
Dispute the studies
Thank goodness we won’t have to make that tough decision! Both dermatologists agree that these investigations have some inconsistencies. You would need to apply a fairly thick layer of sunscreen every couple of hours throughout the entire time you are in the sun, according to Dr. Bijlani. Studies have also revealed that persons who consistently use high SPF can still maintain adequate levels of vitamin D.
Dr. Sharad continues, “Typically, people apply sunscreen insufficiently and they don’t even consistently reapply it after hard exercise or after sweating. If you use sunscreen every day, it is quite unlikely that you would acquire vitamin D deficiency because all the sun-exposed parts are not protected.
You may increase your vitamin D intake and greatly lower your risk of skin cancer by taking vitamin D supplements, eating a nutritious diet, and wearing sunscreen every day, according to both experts.
