The Sun is often called as the life giver and rightfully so, without sun life on earth as we know will not exist.
Sun emits wide spectrum of radiation and in that ultraviolet radiation (UV) is very important for us humans. The UV especially UV-B radiation of the sun is like a double edge sword, affect us both positively and negatively. Even though UV B rays are harmful to the skin its interaction with the skin is essential for the synthesis of the active form of vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency, is a rising global health concern affecting more than 1 billion people worldwide. The unexplained mood swings, body ache and pains, muscles cramps often affecting the quality of life, are some of the classic signs of vitamin D deficiency.
Another rising concern is the effect of skin damage caused due to unprotected sun exposure. It is a proven fact that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light damages the skin’s cellular DNA, creating genetic mutations that can lead to skin cancer, photoaging. Hence the use of sunscreen is an integral part of skin cancer prevention.
Regular use of sunscreen has raised concerns about vitamin D synthesis as sunscreen blocks ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, which is key for vitamin D production.
A 2025 study by Kara et al on the effects of applying vitamin D-fortified sunscreen creams to the skin on the absorption, and levels of serum vitamin D concluded that vitamin D-fortified sunscreen cream increases serum vitamin D levels.
Can this be an addition way of meeting our daily Vitamin D requirement without damaging our skin and not just to relay on oral supplements?