Do You Still Get Vitamin D While Wearing Sunscreen?

The truth is, you don’t need that much exposure to sunlight to absorb and convert Vitamin D.

You only need about 15 to 30 minutes of sunlight a few times weekly to get enough Vitamin D.

You will get this amount of sun exposure just from being out and about.

Not only do you not need very much sunlight in general, but your face definitely does not need to be the part of your body absorbing the sun.

Any part of your body's skin will work to absorb the nutrients you need effectively. Unless you cover every inch of your body with sun protection, some exposure will still provide what you need.

Vitamin D absorption is no excuse not to protect your face from the sun! Trust me, your skin will thank you, and you will age much more gracefully if you put sun protection first.

When it comes to skin aging, sun elevates all of the things we want to avoid:

• fine lines and wrinkles
• loss of collagen
• pigmentation / sun spots
• increased pore size
• dry skin
• dehydration
• inflammation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a major factor in what is known as photoaging. Research has shown that UV radiation can cause 70% of visible skin aging.

This means the best way to prevent and pause the aging effect of the sun is by protecting yourself with the right sunscreen.

Now let's say you still don't feel like you're getting enough Vitamin D.

Before you go skipping your sunscreen, look into supplements, which can give you extra Vitamin D support, without damaging your skin.

Another way to get Vitamin D is with your diet. Specific foods can be an excellent way to ensure adequate Vitamin D intake.

It can be helpful to incorporate these foods during really hot summer months when you're not going outside as much, or in the darker winter when there is less daylight in general. 

Here are specific examples of foods that are rich in Vitamin D and how they contribute to the vitamin’s role in the body:

Seafood is one of the best natural sources of Vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in various bodily functions:

• Cod Liver Oil: Known for its high Vitamin D content, cod liver oil is one of the easiest ways to get Vitamin D. It supports bone health by enhancing calcium absorption, crucial for maintaining strong bones and preventing conditions like osteoporosis.
  
• Salmon: The Vitamin D in salmon helps regulate immune function, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting overall immune health.
  
• Tuna Fish: Tuna’s Vitamin D content supports cardiovascular health by regulating blood pressure and improving heart function.
  
• Sardines: The Vitamin D in sardines contributes to reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy inflammatory response in the body.
  
  

These foods naturally contain Vitamin D and are excellent to include in your diet:

• Egg Yolks: The Vitamin D in egg yolks supports brain health by participating in the synthesis of neurotrophic factors, which are essential for the growth and survival of neurons.
  
• Mushrooms: Certain mushrooms, such as maitake and portobello, offer Vitamin D that supports mood regulation by influencing the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood balance.
  
• Cheese: Cheese provides Vitamin D that helps in maintaining dental health by regulating calcium and phosphorus levels, crucial for strong teeth.
  
• Beef Liver: The Vitamin D in beef liver plays a role in metabolic processes, aiding in the regulation of insulin and glucose metabolism, which is essential for energy production.
  
  

Many foods and drinks are fortified with Vitamin D to help you meet your daily requirements:

• Orange Juice: Fortified orange juice provides Vitamin D that supports immune defense by enhancing the white blood cells important for immunity.
  
• Dairy and Plant Milks: Fortified milks offer Vitamin D that promotes bone mineralization, crucial for bone density and the prevention of fractures.
  
• Fortified Cereals: Fortified cereals contain Vitamin D that assists in the regulation of calcium levels in the blood, important for maintaining proper muscle function and preventing cramps and spasms.
  

By regularly including these foods in your diet, you can ensure that you maintain optimal Vitamin D levels, which are vital for bone health, immune function, cardiovascular health, mood regulation, and overall well-being.

Yes, you can protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays and still maintain adequate Vitamin D levels. Minimal sun exposure—just 15 to 30 minutes a few times a week—is sufficient for Vitamin D synthesis. Let your body absorb the sunlight while you protect your face daily.

Don't make excuses to skip sunscreen. If you're concerned about Vitamin D deficiency, incorporating Vitamin D-rich foods and supplements into your diet can help you get this essential nutrient without compromising your skin's health.

Prioritizing sun protection, especially for your face, can significantly reduce the risk of photoaging, long-term skin damage, and cancer. It's never too late to start taking care of your skin. If you've neglected sun protection up to now, you can change that today. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to block both UVA and UVB rays. Enhancing your sunscreen routine with antioxidants like Vitamin C can further protect and revitalize your skin.

Daily use of sun protection, alongside Retinol and other active ingredients, can effectively fight the signs of aging.

With time and dedication, you can rejuvenate your skin. The key is commitment: always wear sunscreen, support your skin with antioxidants, repair it daily with a comprehensive skincare routine, and eat a vitamin-rich diet. Following these steps will help your skin maintain a youthful glow.

Embrace your sunscreen, enjoy the sunshine wisely, and nourish your body with the right foods to keep your Vitamin D levels in check and your skin radiant.

For more sunscreen tips, check out the article "5 Summer Skincare Secrets You NEED to Know" and watch the YouTube video below! Follow me on YouTube and subscribe to my newsletter for more skincare resources.