Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: thedoc on 24/01/2012 16:40:54

Title: Do sunblocks prevent us producing enough Vitamin D?
Post by: thedoc on 24/01/2012 16:40:54

If we get vitamin D from UV light, does that mean the high factor sunblocks we’re encouraged to use are detrimental to our health?
Asked by Paul Herrington, Facebook


                                        Visit the webpage for the podcast in which this question is answered. (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/show/20120122/)

 

Title: Do sunblocks prevent us producing enough Vitamin D?
Post by: thedoc on 24/01/2012 16:40:54

We answered this question on the show...



I think that everything needs to be considered in a balance and there is a very good reason why sunblocks are recommended but common sense should be applied in using those as well. 
 I don't put the sunblock on before I go outside but I go first outside and only after being there for 10 or 15 minutes I apply the sunblock. I allow both some vitamin D synthesis in the skin as well as protecting myself from any excess in sunlight.