Recently, many claims have surfaced suggesting that using high-SPF sunscreen will always lead to vitamin D deficiency. Before believing this, let’s first help Sahabat PRAMITA understand the relationship between vitamin D, sun exposure, and sunscreen use.

What is Vitamin D and how does sunscreen work?

Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because the body can produce it when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. This nutrient helps maintain bone strength, immune function, and muscle health. Meanwhile, sunscreen is a protective layer that works by absorbing or reflecting UV rays to prevent skin damage. This protection is essential to reduce the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and dark spots.

What are the benefits of Vitamin D?

Vitamin D not only supports bone health by aiding calcium absorption, but also plays an important role in immunity, muscle function, and reducing infection risk. Several studies even suggest that vitamin D is associated with improved mood and a lower risk of chronic diseases. Clearly, vitamin D has a vital role in overall health.

Why do people believe that high-SPF sunscreen always causes vitamin D deficiency?

This assumption appears because, in theory, sunscreen can reduce UVB exposure needed for vitamin D production. However, research shows that daily sunscreen use does not significantly lower vitamin D levels. The reasons include:

• Sunscreen is rarely applied as thickly as in laboratory test conditions.

• Some UVB rays still reach the skin even when sunscreen is applied.

• Vitamin D can also be obtained from foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products.

In other words, sunscreen does not automatically cause vitamin D deficiency. The deficiency is more commonly due to limited sun exposure, an unbalanced diet, or certain health conditions.

Conclusion: Myth or Fact?

The statement that “high-SPF sunscreen always causes vitamin D deficiency” is a myth. Sunscreen does reduce some UVB exposure, but it does not completely block vitamin D production. With a nutritious diet, sufficient outdoor activity, and proper sunscreen use, Sahabat PRAMITA can maintain healthy skin and healthy vitamin D levels at the same time.