Search

Site Sections

Recently Written

Syndicate

RSS Feed

Admin

Vitamin D and the Sunscreen Paradox

Filed Under Skin Care Articles, Skin Care Tips |

To D or not to D … that is the important question surrounding those who avoid the sun like the plague and those that understand Vitamin D’s importance in staving off diseases like bone loss, colon cancer, asthma and multiple sclerosis. The need for Vitamin D is especially important during menopause which puts many women at risk for bone loss.

While much of our body’s absorption of Vitamin D has historically been derived from sun exposure, most people work indoors, have increased the use of sunscreens and their overall avoidance of sun exposure. While sunscreens are a very important preventative measure for many types of skin cancers, the combination of sunscreen use and avoiding the sun has reduced a large portion of our bodies’ Vitamin D intake.

So how does this relate to skin care?

Skin cancer is on the rise. The American Academy of Dermatology says the rising skin cancer rates mean Americans need to boost their “D” through diet (with food like Vitamin fortified milk, fish and eggs) and as well as vitamin D supplements.

The exact amount of vitamin D should be in the range of 400 to 1000 International Units per day, although for some groups like the elderly or those with darker skin the level may need to be even higher if they are going to get health benefits.

So continue to use sunscreens and moisturizers that contain a minimum of SPF 15, remember that a glass (or two) of milk a day will keep the bone loss away!

So, what do you think? We want to know!

2 Responses to “Vitamin D and the Sunscreen Paradox”

Care for Skin Care, Nicole on April 2nd, 2007 3:05 pm

The greatest product containing Vitamins D, A, and E is cod liver oil. Take a teaspoon or two every day, especially if you live in a Northern climate.
Chelsea on April 2nd, 2007 3:07 pm

agreed … great for Omega 3’s too … but it is quite nasty tasting.

Comments RSS Feed