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Sunscreen and Vitamin D

The American Cancer Society, The Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology all recommend the use of Sunscreen and protected clothing to prevent over exposure from the sun’s harmful Ultraviolet Radiation. The harmful rays we are protecting from are UVA and UVB.

Many of you are asking me “what about our need for Vitamin D”. Human skin can make large amounts of vitamin D when lots of the skin is exposed to sun when the sun is high in the sky. Your body is designed to produce the vitamin D it needs when your bare skin is exposed to sunlight. The part of the sun's rays that is important is Ultraviolet B (UVB). This is also the same spectrum of sunlight that will expose your skin to the most burning damage. Most of this UVB radiation is absorbed in the epidermis, the upper most skin layer, as a result of this exposure to sunlight most of the vitamin D3 that is produced in the skin is made in the living cells in the epidermis.

Yes we need Vitamin D. Here in Northern NJ we are susceptible to reduced Vitamin D from November to March due to the Sun’s angle and the position of the Northern Hemisphere. Vitamin D researcher, Michael F. Holick, suggests in his book, The Vitamin D Solution, to spend 20-30 minutes in the sun with your arms and legs exposed (not your face) between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. two to three times a week from March through May and September through October but only 15-20 minutes in July and August when the sun in strongest.

In conclusion, consult with your doctor to discuss any deficiencies you feel you have. The best solution is be aware of your bare skin exposure. Apply a generous application of a Physical SPF Sunscreen such as, TIZO 3, after 30 minutes of bare sun exposure. This will satisfy all the needs of your body for Vitamin D and protection from the harmful UVA and UVB radiation.

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