Wearing sunscreen as sun protection is so important all year round! However, is there ever a situation where protecting your skin with sunscreen can actually be harmful?
It’s a common misconception that wearing sunscreen is damaging to vitamin D levels. Sunsmart and the Better Health Channel gives us some helpful information to help us find the balance with getting vitamin D and protecting our skin.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is an important hormone that is required for strong bones and muscles. It controls the levels of calcium in our blood. Vitamin D comes from ultraviolet (UV) light, which is also the primary source of skin cancer. However, “There is a balance between the risk of skin cancer from too much sun exposure and maintaining adequate vitamin D levels.” (betterhealth.vic.gov.au). There are many factors that determine how much vitamin D each specific person needs including the time of year and season, your current vitamin D levels, and the type of skin you have.
Finding the Balance
So, how do you find the delicate balance between necessary and harmful amounts of UV? Intrestingly, vitamin D “may be stored in the body for up to 60 days. For most people, only a few minutes of sun exposure is required to maintain healthy levels most of the year.” (Sunsmart.com.au)
“Population studies have shown that regular use of sunscreen has little effect on vitamin D levels” continues Sunsmart. It’s not recommended to have large amounts of unprotected exposure to the sun when UV levels are 3 or higher. That’s even if you have a vitamin D deficiency! When the UV levels in your area are under 3, use that time to take in vitamin D. When the UV is higher, make sure to then protect yourself from the serious effects of sun damage.
“From May to mid-August, average UV levels in Victoria are typically low (below 3). During this time sun protection is not recommended unless you work outdoors, are near highly reflective surfaces (like snow), or are outside for extended periods.” (See our article Attention Outdoor Workers) “During these months, people should spend time outside in the middle of the day with some skin uncovered to maintain vitamin D levels.” (betterhealth.vic.gov.au)
On top of protecting your skin, it’s important to have regular skin checks. Contact Qutis to book your skin check appointment today!
Sources : https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/vitamin-d#sun-protection https://www.sunsmart.com.au/skin-cancer/health-professionals
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