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As you already know, vitamin D is really important for our body. Sadly, most of us report having vitamin D deficiency. What should be done to supply our body with the right dose of this vitamin, and how to combine the necessity of protecting skin against solar radiation with helping our organism synthesize vitamin D properly. You are going to find this out thanks to my entry. Enjoy!

Vitamin D and its source

Did you know that vitamin D3 (vitamin D derivative) is synthesized in skin under the influence of B-type solar radiation (UVB)? Therefore, there is no point in hiding from the sun because in this way you help the body work in an undisturbed way. Wise sun exposition increases calcium and phosphor absorption, positively influences immune and bone system. Other vitamin D and its derivatives source are food products. Some of them are: sea fish, cheese, eggs, milk, yoghurt and cornflakes. Vitamin D is fat-soluble therefore the meals eaten should be enriched with the very substances.

Vitamin D – Functions in organism, shortage and demand

Vitamin D is exceptionally important for our organism. It’s task is to:

• speed up wound healing processes;
• protect skin against harmful UV radiation;
• stimulate skin antibacterial protection;
• increase calcium absorption;
• support muscle and nervous system work;
• help cure psoriasis.

Vitamin D shortage can lead to very serious complications such as:

• higher susceptibility to infections;
• exacerbation of autoimmune diseases;
• higher risk of malignant tumour;
• carbohydrate-fat metabolism disorders;
• higher risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Demand for vitamin D depends on many factors and some of them are: season, latitude, type of practised sport, skin colour. Vitamin D shortage happens mostly during winter, when solar radiation is insufficient in some regions of the world. Moreover, higher demand for vitamin D is recognized mainly in children and elderly people. The best solution would be spending free time, approximately 30 minutes, outdoors between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Vitamin D and sunscreen

Can sunscreen applied in spring and summer reduce vitamin D synthesis? It turns out that it can. During autumn and winter the demand for vitamin D isn’t satisfied. Artificial lightening, e.g. solarium, isn’t a good solution because it can cause skin cancer and doesn’t contribute to vitamin D synthesis at all (solar lamps emits UVA radiation). We also have to take into consideration the risk of negative solar influence on human skin. It can cause: cancers, accelerated aging process, discoloration, exacerbation of some chronic diseases, hypersensitivity. As you can see, supplying organism with vitamin D isn’t that easy and the protection against adverse effects of solar radiation is crucial.

How to use sunscreens properly?

Sunscreens have to be usually applied in 15 minutes before exposing skin to the sun. Some scientists suggest to use sunscreens with SPF 50 15 minutes after being exposed to the sun. The amount of applied cosmetic also matters: 2 mg per 1 cm2 of skin. It’s also worth realising that most cosmetics protect against UVB only, not UVA radiation. This SPF abbreviation placed on cosmetic packaging relates to UVB radiation only.

What is your opinion about relation between applying sunscreens and vitamin D synthesis? How to you supply your body with this substance and how do you protect your skin against the sun?