Everything you need to know about Skincare, Sunscreen & Vitamin D Production
In Australia, everyday sunscreen is a must all year round. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects us from harmful UV rays, free radical damage and prevents premature ageing, but did you know that certain sunscreens can also ensure that the natural production of vitamin D is not compromised? Vitamin D is often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’ because our bodies produce it naturally when our skin is exposed to sunlight. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in our overall health, including bone health, immune function and cell growth and has a wealth of skincare benefits that make it an essential ingredient in our everyday skincare routine. While we can get vitamin D from food sources such as fatty fish, eggs and fortified dairy products, exposure to sunlight is the primary way our bodies produce vitamin D. (Cancer Council, 2022) In Australia, we need to be careful of over-exposing ourselves to the sun’s rays because of the high UV levels and skin cancer risk. Still, at the same time, we need to ensure we are spending enough time in the sun to activate vitamin D production. This is where sunscreen and skincare come in! Exposing our skin to small amounts of UVB light is essential for vitamin D production. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen that will not prevent vitamin D production.
The Relationship Between Sunscreen and Vitamin D Production
A common concern about wearing physical sunscreen is that it may cause vitamin D deficiency. However, studies have shown that this is not the case. In fact, some sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection are specifically designed to stimulate vitamin D production! There is no doubt that vitamin D is vital for our overall health, well-being and skincare. It helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels in our body, which are essential for bone health. Vitamin D also has immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help protect us from conditions like type II diabetes, heart disease, and multiple sclerosis while improving inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis. While we can get vitamin D from food sources like fatty fish, eggs, and fortified milk, the best way to get vitamin D is by exposing our skin to small amounts of UVB light. So how do we make sure we’re getting enough vitamin D without overdoing it and putting our skin at risk? The key to ensuring that you are getting the highest level of broad-spectrum protection and vitamin d exposure is to find a Broad Spectrum SPF sunscreen that also allows the natural production of vitamin D. This will help to increase vitamin D levels while still protecting you from the sun. Dermal therapist and beauty journalist, Yads Cauchi, dives deep into common myths about wearing sunscreen and vitamin D production and gives her take on the best sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum coverage and vitamin D activating technology. Read more about sunscreen and vitamin D production on the Adore Beauty blog.
When UVB rays hit your skin, ultraviolet B (UVB) rays interact with a protein called 7-DHC in the skin, which results in the production of vitamin D (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2018). This is a natural process that happens when your skin is exposed to the sun, and it’s essential for our health. While it’s vital to protect our skin from the sun, we don’t want to avoid it altogether! vitamin D production happens most effectively when we are exposed to UVB light for short periods of time. (Harvard Health, 2019)
Protecting Sensitive Skin and Getting The Benefits of Vitamin D
While it is essential to protect our skin from the sun, we don’t want to avoid it altogether. Exposing our skin to small amounts of UVB light is essential for vitamin D production. To get the benefits of vitamin D while protecting our skin, we need to find a sunscreen that strikes the right balance. When choosing everyday sunscreen, it is essential to look for a product that allows natural vitamin D production while retaining its very high SPF50 sun protection factor. In the next section, we go into the advanced skincare technology that makes the Face & Body Sunscreen SPF50 by Aesthetics Rx one of the best sunscreens for both vitamin D production and everyday sun protection. We also recommend other products from our SPF range ideal for everyday use, skincare, and sun protection.
When Skincare Science & Sun Protection Collide
Best Broad Spectrum SPF with Vitamin D Activating Technology
Striking a balancing act between getting the benefits of vitamin D and protecting our skin from the sun can be tricky. However, with the right sunscreen, it is possible to have the best of both worlds. Plus, there are a wealth of skincare benefits to getting enough Vitamin D!
Vitamin D Skincare Benefits:
– Reduces inflammation – Improves the appearance of skin conditions such as psoriasis – Aids in wound healing – Protects against UV damage – Improves skin texture and tone As we head into cooler, less sunny months, it’s still essential to protect the skin from sunburn and skin damage, but it’s also a time we need to maximise our vitamin D production. So, what do we do? We find a sunscreen that does both!
Face & Body Sunscreen SPF50 by Aesthetics Rx
Aesthetics Rx’s Face & Body Sunscreen SPF50 with activated Vitamin D technology filters out UVA light while allowing some UVB light rays to penetrate the epidermis where the interaction occurs, and vitamin D3 is produced. The result is high sun protection sunscreen that allows your skin to synthesise vitamin D, giving you the utmost protection and health benefits available. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, paraben and fragrance-free, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Designed by skincare scientists, this sunscreen utilises patented technology that supports the body’s natural ability to produce vitamin D in the presence of UV light, even whilst wearing high protection sunscreen. The technology filters out UVA light but allows some of the UVB light rays to penetrate the epidermis, where the conversion process takes place for natural vitamin D production. What’s more, our non-greasy sunscreen boosts radiance and doesn’t leave a white cast on the skin. It’s a win-win for those who want to enjoy the benefits of vitamin D without sacrificing sun protection or aesthetics. So, there you have it! Wearing sunscreen is not only important for protecting your skin from the sun, but it can also help your body to produce vitamin D. Be sure to choose a sunscreen that has a high SPF rating and also contains vitamin D activating technology.
Our SPF Skincare Product Recommendations:
Water Resistant Tinted Sunscreen with Zinc SP50
The Water Resistant Tinted Sunscreen with Zinc SP50+ by Aesthetics Rx provides high UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection and helps to reduce the risk of sun damage and premature ageing caused by exposure to the sun. With no chemical actives, fragrances or preservatives, this everyday sunscreen is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive skin.
As a mineral sunscreen, Zinc oxide works by reflecting and scattering UV rays away from the skin. It is a safe and effective alternative to chemical sunscreens, which can irritate the skin. The unique mineral sunscreen is also non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. Plus, the tinted formula evens out skin tone and provides an invisible finish and a natural, healthy-looking glow. It’s water-resistant and absorbs quickly, ideal for active lifestyles or days spent outdoors.
Key benefits:
– Zinc oxide provides high UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection – Reduces the risk of sun damage and premature ageing caused by sun exposure – Tinted formula evens out skin tone and leaves a natural, healthy-looking glow – Water-resistant and absorbs quickly – Non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or cause breakoutsUltra Protection Sunscreen SP50+
The Ultra Protection Sunscreen SP50+ by Aesthetics Rx is a high-performance, broad-spectrum physical sunscreen that provides UVA and UVB protection. The sunscreen is water-resistant, making it ideal for swimming, surfing or sweating. Containing Zinc-oxide, the Ultra Protection Sunscreen protects your skin from sun damage while working as a soothing anti-inflammatory to reactive, sensitive skin. Key benefits: – Zinc oxide provides high UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection – Water-resistant, making it ideal for activities such as swimming, surfing or sweating – Soothing anti-inflammatory to reactive, sensitive skin.
FAQs:
What SPF sunscreen is best under makeup?
For the best face sunscreen under makeup, we recommend the Face & Body Sunscreen SPF50+. The Face & Body Sunscreen by Aesthetics Rx is a fast-absorbing, high protection SPF50 sunscreen suitable for both face and body and all skin types, including sensitive. Utilising patented activated Vitamin D SPF technology, our advanced sunscreen technology allows natural vitamin D production while retaining its very high sun protection factor. What’s more, this non-greasy face sunscreen acts as a makeup primer and extrinsic accelerated ageing blocker.
What is zinc oxide? Zinc oxide is a physical sunscreen that works by reflecting and scattering UV rays away from the skin. It is a safe and effective alternative to chemical sunscreens, which can irritate the skin. Zinc oxide provides high UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection and helps to reduce the risk of sun damage and premature ageing caused by exposure to the sun.
What is the best sunscreen for my face? The best sunscreen for your face depends on your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend the Face & Body Sunscreen SPF50. If you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, we recommend the Tinted Water-Resistant Sunscreen with Zinc SPF50+. The Tinted Sunscreen with Zinc by Aesthetics Rx is a physical sunscreen that provides high UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection. The sunscreen is water-resistant, making it ideal for activities such as swimming, surfing or sweating. The unique mineral sunscreen is also non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts making it ideal for those with oily skin types.
What is a mineral sunscreen? A mineral sunscreen is a physical sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and these ingredients work by reflecting and scattering UV rays away from the skin. Mineral sunscreens are safe and effective alternatives to chemical sunscreens, which can irritate the skin.
What is a chemical sunscreen? A chemical sunscreen is a sunscreen that contains ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone and octisalate. These ingredients work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat, then released from the skin. In fact, some sunscreens actually help the skin to keep producing vitamin D even while it is protecting the skin against sun damage. . The Face & Body Sunscreen SPF50 by Aesthetics Rx is a sunscreen that utilises patented activated vitamin D SPF technology, allowing natural vitamin D production in the skin while retaining its very high sun protection factor.
Is the Face & Body Sunscreen SPF50 by Aesthetics Rx fragrance-free? Yes, the Face & Body Sunscreen by Aesthetics Rx is fragrance-free. It is also non-greasy and fast-absorbing, making it ideal for everyday use.
How much Vitamin D should you be getting?
The amount of vitamin D you need depends on a few factors, including your age, skin type, and whether you have any health conditions that affect vitamin D absorption. The recommended daily vitamin D intake is 600 IU for adults aged 1-70 years. (Mayo Clinic, 2021) However, many people don’t get enough vitamin D from spending time in the sun or diet. One way to increase your vitamin D levels is to wear a water-resistant sunscreen that still allows vitamin D production. This will help you get the recommended daily vitamin D intake while still being protected from the sun. Some people may need more than the recommended daily intake, especially if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about your vitamin D levels.