We're told to apply and reapply sunscreen every day, but we're also told vitamin D is important for our health. So...do the two cancel each other out?
The short answer: No.
Here's why.
Your skin only needs a small amount of sun exposure - about 10 to 30 minutes a few times a week (depending on your skin tone and where you live) to produce vitamin D.
Research hasn't found that people who wear sunscreen regularly are more likely to be vitamin D deficient. In real life, most of us simply don't apply or reapply often enough to completely block vitamin D production.
The same UVB rays that help your body make vitamin D are also the rays that cause sunburn and long-term skin damage. So skipping SPF just to get more vitamin D isn't a great trade-off.
A Better Way to Support Healthy Vitamin D Levels
One of the simplest ways to support healthy vitamin D levels is by including vitamin D-rich foods in your daily diet. While sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, eating the right foods will make a meaningful difference, especially during seasons with limited sun exposure.
Foods that naturally provide vitamin D include:
☀️ Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, trout, and mackerel
☀️ Egg yolks
☀️ Fortified dairy products like milk and yogurt
☀️ Fortified plant-based milks such as soy, oat, and almond milk
☀️ Fortified breakfast cereals
☀️ UV-exposed mushrooms
☀️ Beef liver
Adding a variety of these foods to your meals can help you maintain healthy vitamin D levels as part of a balanced, nutritious diet.
If you're wondering whether you're getting enough vitamin D, your healthcare provider can order a simple blood test and let you know if a supplement is right for you.
Forgot to apply your sunscreen today?
It happens. Life gets busy. You rush out the door. You meant to apply...and then didn't.
Here's what you can do instead:
☀️ Put sunscreen on as soon as you remember, even if it's already afternoon.
☀️ Find shade during the strongest sun, usually between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
☀️ Wear a hat, sunglasses, or lightweight clothing.
☀️ After being in the sun, treat your skin to a soothing facial mist, hydrating serum, aloe gel, or a nourishing moisturizer.
☀️ Drink plenty of water. Your skin gets thirsty too.
The bottom line is that healthy skin isn't about being perfect. It's about making small, consistent choices that add up over time. Wear your SPF, nourish your skin, and don't stress over the occasional forgotten application.
