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Does Intake Of Vitamin D Supplements Help In Preventing Skin Ageing?
Question: Hi my question is regarding sun exposure. I've read that every little bit of sun exposure contributes to skin aging and damage it in the long run. This has caused me to pretty much 'soak' my skin with sunscreen in the last months and do everything I can to protect my skin to the point of trying to avoid the sun completely and reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours every day. The problem came when people and close friends started noticing this and saying that sun exposure is essential and that I'm being quite obsessed about it. This has caused me to learn about the sun vitamin d and it's importance for us and thus I began taking vitamin d supplement everyday from the fear that I might not be getting enough while still religiously applying suncreen every 2 hours everyday. My question is what your take on sun exposure and is it good what I'm trying to do to avoid the sun and rely on supplements for the sun's benefits? Can I completely avoid the sun and prevent skin aging and take vitamin d from supplements to be healthy? -XXXX
Brief Answer:
I encourage you to use sunscreen
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have read your query and I have understood your concern.
You may use sunscreen every 2 hours. In fact that is the way sunscreen should be used i.e every 2-3 hours.
Sunscreen use has not been demonstrated to lead to vitamin D deficiency because just 5-10 minutes of morning sun is usually enough for synthesis of required amounts of Vitamin D. Whereas exposure to periods of maximun sun intensity i.e between 10AM -3 PM does not offer any additinal benefits in terms of vitamin D synthesis. Moreove thiss period of maximum sun intensity is the time that is most damaging to skin and is responsible for cummulative photoageing over the years. Therefore you are right in protecting yourself from the harmful effects of sun.
I suggest you to get your.blood vitamin D levels measured. If found deficient you may well supplement it externally.
Regards
I encourage you to use sunscreen
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have read your query and I have understood your concern.
You may use sunscreen every 2 hours. In fact that is the way sunscreen should be used i.e every 2-3 hours.
Sunscreen use has not been demonstrated to lead to vitamin D deficiency because just 5-10 minutes of morning sun is usually enough for synthesis of required amounts of Vitamin D. Whereas exposure to periods of maximun sun intensity i.e between 10AM -3 PM does not offer any additinal benefits in terms of vitamin D synthesis. Moreove thiss period of maximum sun intensity is the time that is most damaging to skin and is responsible for cummulative photoageing over the years. Therefore you are right in protecting yourself from the harmful effects of sun.
I suggest you to get your.blood vitamin D levels measured. If found deficient you may well supplement it externally.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
So basically my next question is why do we need the sun if all it does is damages and ages our skin and we can get vitamin d from foods and supplements. Is it ok if I avoid the sun completely and soak myself with suncreen whenever I'm outside or am I missing something?
Brief Answer:
Its Ok to use sunscreen religiously
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Its absolutely fine to use a high SPF sunscreen religiously, whenever outdoors, to protect from the harmful effects of UV A and UV B rays, and it has not been shown to interfere with Vitamin D production and moreover, the levels of vitamin D can be supplemented externally.
The harmful effects of sun on skin ageing are specially of concern in those who are fair skinned and in those who live at places where the sun is strong e.g Australia, which has the highest incidence of skin cancers.
Regards
Its Ok to use sunscreen religiously
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Its absolutely fine to use a high SPF sunscreen religiously, whenever outdoors, to protect from the harmful effects of UV A and UV B rays, and it has not been shown to interfere with Vitamin D production and moreover, the levels of vitamin D can be supplemented externally.
The harmful effects of sun on skin ageing are specially of concern in those who are fair skinned and in those who live at places where the sun is strong e.g Australia, which has the highest incidence of skin cancers.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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