Kathmandu. The temperature has started to rise in most parts of the country these days. The summer season can increase the risk of heatstroke and many other serious health problems.
As soon as summer begins, intense sun and skin tanning problems increase, to avoid which people use sunscreen.
Experts also advise to apply sunscreen compulsorily before going out in the sun. It protects the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and can even reduce the risk of skin cancer. In such a situation, a big question arises – can excessive use of sunscreen lead to vitamin D deficiency in the body?
In fact, sunlight is considered the best source of vitamin D. Since sunscreen creates a protective layer to protect the skin from the sun, can this cream knowingly or unknowingly increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D is essential for good health
The important thing to note here is that vitamin D is a very important nutrient for the body. It plays an important role in strengthening bones, absorbing calcium, and strengthening immunity.
This vitamin is mainly produced naturally in the skin when exposed to sunlight. In such a situation, does sunscreen interfere with the process of vitamin D production?
Many studies have shown that good quality sunscreen can block more than 95% of UV rays.
Does applying sunscreen reduce vitamin D?
According to experts in a report by the National Institute of Health, the possibility of vitamin D deficiency in the body due to applying sunscreen is very low.
• Sunscreen does reduce the ability of the skin to produce vitamin D to some extent.
• However, generally we do not apply sunscreen so thickly or so often that it completely stops the process of vitamin D production.
• Even a little sunlight is enough to maintain the right amount of vitamin D in the body.
Know these things too
Studies have shown that even after applying sunscreen daily, enough rays reach the skin to produce vitamin D. Since the body requires only a very small amount of sunlight, there is no risk of a major deficiency of vitamin D from it.
• Apart from sunlight, you can also get this vitamin from fatty fish, milk, and supplements, so there is no need to worry too much.
• The risk of vitamin D deficiency is generally higher in people who take too many precautions to avoid the sun.
• Always wearing full-body clothing, using sunscreen with very high SPF, not going out in the sun at all, and a lack of vitamin D-rich foods in the diet can increase your risk.
Applying sunscreen in summer is beneficial
According to health experts, for most people, the risk of skin damage from sun exposure is many times greater than the risk of vitamin D deficiency. Dermatologists say that exposure to the sun for just 10-15 minutes in the morning is sufficient to produce vitamin D.
• Applying sunscreen in summer has many great benefits. It protects the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can reduce the risk of premature aging and skin cancer.
• Sunscreen protects the skin’s collagen from damage, keeping the skin looking young for a long time.
• Where the UV index is often high, the use of sunscreen is even more important.