It's important to apply sunscreen regularly in the sun
Getting out in the sun is good for our vitamin D production, as well as our happiness levels, but it’s also important that we stay safe in the sun.
New research from Boots UK shows that sunscreen application does not compromise healthy vitamin D production.
The landmark study, ‘Sun, Sunscreens and Vitamin D’ study, conducted by Antony Young, Professor of Experimental Photobiology at St John’s institute of dermatology, King’s College London, and part funded by Boots UK, reveals when SPF 15 sunscreen was applied appropriately and correctly, participants’ bodies were able to produce adequate levels of Vitamin D, without experiencing burning.
The findings provide new evidence to the debate surrounding sunscreen use and vitamin D production from sunlight exposure.
In the study, conducted on a beach resort in Tenerife to replicate a real-life holiday experience, all participants had baseline vitamin D blood serum levels of approximately 50 nmol/l, which is widely accepted by experts to be adequate. Despite the use of sunscreen, participants experienced an average increase to their baseline vitamin D levels of an additional 16 nmol/l, indicating that the use of sunscreen still allows the body to produce significant amounts of vitamin D from sunlight exposure.
Clare O’Connor, Boots Suncare expert comments: “At Boots UK we know that getting out there is good for us, however vitamin D deficiency is currently a health concern within the UK and there is much debate on the impact sunscreen has on vitamin D production. The findings of our study highlight that the use of sunscreen at the recommended usage level and frequency still allows for the production of significant levels of vitamin D, while ensuring adequate protection from sun burn and the associated visible skin damage. The study provides reassurance to people who want to make the most of the great outdoors this summer that their sunscreen is helping to protect their skin without compromising healthy vitamin D production.”
The research was recently presented at the prestigious International Investigative Dermatology conference in Edinburgh and is due to be published later in the year. Commenting on the findings, Professor Antony Young says: “This study shows that using sunscreens in an intense UV environment still allows for significant vitamin D production without any burning of the skin. It is the first time that such a comprehensive study has been undertaken and it provides new clinical evidence on the impact sunscreen has on vitamin D synthesis.”
Tagged in Sunshine Health Sun Protection Vitamin D