Is It True That The Use Of Sunscreen Causes Decreased Vitamin D Absorption? This Is An Expert Explanation

JAKARTA - The use of sunscreen or sunscreen every day is an important step to protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays from dangerous sun. However, sun exposure is one of the main sources of vitamin D needed by the body.

This raises an assumption regarding whether the use of sunscreen can reduce the absorption of vitamin D from exposure to sunlight by the body. As is known, vitamin D is an essential nutrient that the body needs to maintain bone health, support the immune system, and help the nervous system send signals throughout the body.

However, while useful, exposure to excess UV rays can also be dangerous, such as increasing the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, the use of sunscreen is highly recommended.

Therefore, related to the use of sunscreen, reducing the absorption of vitamin D is not true. Although sunscreen is formulated to block UVB rays, experts say that its use does not really stop the process of producing vitamin D on the skin.

"Sunscreen has little significant impact on levels of vitamin D," said radiation oncologist at Alpha Tau Medical, Robert Den, citing Health, on Monday, September 1, 2025.

Robert also said that a number of studies have shown no direct connection between the use of sunscreen and the deficiency of vitamin D. Sunscreen and SPF 30 even though it makes a small part of the rays can still reach the skin, which is enough to stimulate the production of vitamin D.

Not only that, Robert Den also said that many people still use sunscreen in an unideal dose and do not regularly reuse it in a day, so sometimes it does not affect sun exposure which encourages the production of vitamin D.

"In practice, the majority of people apply too little and don't repeat it regularly," he added.