As the weather slowly starts warming up, so do the conversations around SPF. And this year, one question seems to be coming up more than ever. Can wearing SPF every day stop you from getting enough Vitamin D?
Honestly, I can completely understand why so many people are baffled.
The internet loves a bit of fear mongering, doesn't it? 🙈 One minute something is the latest superfood, the next it's apparently ruining our lives. 😂 And unfortunately, it seems SPF is having its turn in the firing line right now.
But beyond the online drama, I do understand where the genuine confusion comes from too. We know UV exposure plays a role in helping our bodies produce Vitamin D, so surely blocking those rays every day would have some kind of impact?
Here's What the Science Actually Says
Thankfully, the reality is very different. For SPF to genuinely stop you producing Vitamin D, you'd need to be applying it perfectly, heavily and consistently across almost every inch of your body, every single day. And realistically, that's just not how most people use it. Even me 😂
Most of us are applying it to our face, neck and chest and research continues to show that this kind of SPF use doesn't lower Vitamin D levels at all.
In fact, here in the UK we're advised to take Vitamin D supplements regardless of the sun, because our climate simply isn't dependable enough for most of the year. It's one of the reasons I added a full daily dose into Youthfuel.
Why SPF Has Never Been a Vanity Product to Me
The research has also shown, time and time again, that SPF is essential for keeping skin healthy long term, for significantly reducing premature ageing and of course for preventing skin cancer too.
That's why as an aesthetician, SPF has never felt like a vanity product to me. I've always taught my clients that Sunbeam Cream is the most important product that will ever grace their face.
So yes, you can absolutely wear your SPF every day, protect your skin and support your Vitamin D levels at the same time. And as I always say to my clients, it may just save your life too. 🤍
