Should we choose between preventing sunburn and the development of skin cancer with sunscreen, or expose ourselves without protection to promote the synthesis of the essential vitamin D? The debate is not new, but it has just been enriched by a new element. According to a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, optimal use of a sunscreen product when exposed to a high UV index helps both to avoid sunburn and to increase its vitamin D level.
Sunlight contains UVA and UVB rays. It is these UVBs that trigger the process of vitamin D synthesis, which is essential for strong bones and has many other health benefits. About 80% of our vitamin D comes from our UVB exposure.
But these same UVBs are also responsible for sunburn and can induce DNA damage and skin cancer. And it is quite frequently accepted that sun products, which act as a screen between the sun’s rays and the skin, prevent UVBs from acting, both on the formation of sunburn and on the synthesis of vitamin D.
This is what this study challenges. According to its authors, the proper use of sunscreen products, on the contrary, provides good protection from the harmful effects of UV rays, without compromising the production of this precious vitamin.
A week under the Tenerife sun
The impact of sunscreen on vitamin D levels was measured on Polish volunteers during a very sunny summer week, under a latitude where the UV index is very high.
Two products were compared, both of SPF (anti-UBV protection) 15, but one with high UVA protection and the other with low UVA protection. The volunteers were also given instructions on how to …
