Does Wearing Sunscreen Lower Your Vitamin D Level?

If you wear sunscreen are you at greater risk of developing vitamin D deficiency?

A recent study looked at the connection between wearing sunscreen and vitamin D levels. This study used real people who frequented the beach instead of using a laboratory study with simulated light. The study demonstrated that using sunscreen does not cause decreased production in vitamin D. These findings are released just in time for most people’s beach vacations. Since some people may forgo sunscreen to produce more vitamin D, this study indicates that’s not necessary.

Now you can confidently make the right choice for your skin. Use sunscreen as recommended knowing that it is effective in reducing sun damage and the risk of developing skin cancer without putting you at risk of a vitamin D deficiency. The initial concerns were studied in a laboratory setting using simulated light sources. However, this study is much more relevant.

Details of the Study

Researchers invited 62 individuals from Poland to take part in a beach vacation in sunny Tenerife Spain. All individuals were fair-skinned. The individuals who participated agreed to wear sunscreen and have blood samples taken to measure their vitamin D levels. The researchers compared those samples to 17 individuals who were the control group. The control group stayed home in Poland.

The individuals who participated in the beach trip were divided into three groups:

1. The first group used a sunscreen with SPF 15. They applied it every two hours during the day.

2. Group 2 used a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocked both UVA and UVB rays. They applied their sunscreen in the same way as group one.

3. The third group used their own sunscreen and were not given any application instructions.

The goal of this group was to make them a “real life” scenario. In the three groups, vitamin D levels were measured before sun exposure and then 24 and 48 hours into the vacation.

Results

In all three groups, the use of sunscreen did not result in lower vitamin D levels. It was notable that the third group had more sunburns and more sun damage. However, all three groups did not have significantly different vitamin D levels during the study.

This led researchers to conclude that a broad spectrum sunscreen is recommended. It helps to protect skin from sun damage and skin cancer.

Although vitamin D deficiencies are becoming an area of concern today, it remains prudent to wear sun protection when exposed to sunlight.

In addition, the use of sun protective clothing and hats may be additionally beneficial for those with fair skin. If concerned about lower vitamin D levels, getting tested is a good step. It may be necessary to take a vitamin D supplement but always discuss this with a doctor to get the recommended dosage.

As the study found, dermatologists remain correct about the need to protect the skin from sun damage. The results from this study indicate that it is safe to wear sun screen without developing the risk of a vitamin D deficiency.

According to Dr. Cynthia Bailey, a dermatologist in California, “The benefit of using broad spectrum sunscreen is undisputed. It will help to protect your skin from sun damage (the inevitable development of wrinkles, thinning, crepey skin, sun spots) and skin cancer.”

Recommended Sunscreen

1. Thinksport Safe Sunscreen

This SPF 50 sunscreen was the first ever to pass the Whole Foods Premium Care Requirements. It is free from biologically harmful chemicals such as Oxybenzone, Avobenzone and UV chemical absorbers. It has a zinc oxide formulation that provides broad-spectrum UV protection and water resistance for up to 80 minutes. It is gluten-free, paraben-free and dioxane free which makes it safe for sensitive skin. A lot of its users love that it doesn’t have an obtrusive smell and it absorbs quickly.

The Thinksport Safe Sunscreen retails at $12.

2. Solbar Zinc 38

This SPF 38 sunscreen has an oil free base which is gentle on the eyes, is more rub resistant than most, and lasts for about 80 minutes in the water. Once applied, this zinc-based sun block forms a physical protective layer that sits on top of your skin and provides non-irritating, hypoallergenic UVA and UVB protection you can trust. Most people who have used the Solbar Zinc 38 agree that it works as promised; it prevents sunburns entirely. What people love about it is that it lasts longer than most other sunscreens and since it is odorless and easy to apply, it can be added to the daily skincare routine. However, some people do complain that it’s too greasy for their taste.

The Solbar Zinc 38 retails at $12.

See more sunscreen recommendations here:

Best Self Tanners for Fair Skin [2020]

Self Tanners And Sunless Tanners

We all love that vibrant, warm brown color on the skin after a long day basking in the sun. However, not everyone has the time or money to spend their days lying on a tropical beach. If you have fair skin, then you are unlikely to want to spend a day in the sun, as you’d end up sunburned.

You can use a tanning bed to get the perfect tan, but just like the sun, sunbeds can also be harmful to your skin and health. Luckily, there is a more comfortable, safer, and faster way to get that perfect tan without even leaving your home.

Self-tanners and sunless tanners are growing increasingly popular for people who want a quick and easy way to get a perfect tan. However, there are many knockoff self-tanners out there, some of which can leave a horrible orange color on the skin, and some smell terrible. We have tested various self-tanners to compile the following list of the best self-tanners available to buy;

1. L’Oreal Sublime Bronze (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0 stars)

When it comes to cosmetics and beauty products, L’Oreal is one of the top brands that is associated with quality for every product they make. The L’Oreal Sublime Bronze tinted self-tanning lotion gives you a quick-drying instant bronze glow and a deep natural tan that won’t rub off your clothes. The L’Oreal Sublime Bronze formula is designed to deliver a streak-free sunless tan. It also has Vitamin E to keep your skin smooth and soft as you get your desired level of tan.

People who use the L’Oreal Sublime Bronze love its natural look and its pleasant smell. This self-tanner retails at about $11.

2. Skinerals Self Tanner Sunless Bronzer (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.5 stars)

If you are always on the go, the Skinerals Self Tanner Sunless Bronzer is the self-tanner for you. This self-tanner uses a foam formula that is light and dries quickly, leaving no streaks or stains on your clothes. The Skinerals Self Tanner Sunless Bronzer is a chemical-free blend of natural ingredients that will give you a natural-looking, sun-kissed tan in no time. It has a light, pleasant scent. With ingredients like Aloe Barbadensis, Glycerin, Vitamin E, and Shea butter included in the formula, you can be sure your skin is also getting the nutrients it needs to stay soft and glowing.

Most people who have used the Skinerals Self Tanner Sunless Bronzer have loved its ease of application and quick results. However, the $25 price tag is a turnoff for many.

3. NKD Pre-Shower Gradual Tan Lotion (⭐️⭐️⭐️3.9 stars)

This hydrating Pre-Shower gradual tan lotion will nourish and condition your skin while leaving you with a subtle glow that you can deepen with regular use. You get a natural-looking, buildable, sunless tan without smells, streaks, or transferring stains to clothes. It is made with Ecocert DHA infused with organic ingredients such as Aloe Vera, argan, and Marula to nourish your skin. Once applied, your tan will last for up to 7 days, after which it will fade perfectly without patching. You can use it daily to build a deeper tan more gradually.

The NKD Pre-Shower Gradual Tan Lotion retails at $20.

4. Rodan & Fields Essential Foaming Sunless Tan (⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.7 stars)

This self-tanner will give you an even, natural-looking tan without forcing you to expose yourself to harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is made using a lightweight, oil-free formula that is easy to use and dries quickly. Once dry, the Rodan & Fields Essential Foaming Sunless Tan leaves no streaks and won’t transfer to clothing or fabric.

People who use this sunless tan foam love that it is not messy, and it gives an even, natural tan. However, at $27, this self-tanner is quite pricey.

5. Neutrogena micro-mist airbrush sunless tanner (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4 stars)

This self-tanner comes in spray form and delivers a fast, easy, and even self tab that is two shades darker than your skin tone. The spray delivers a quick-drying ultra-fine mist for a simple, even coverage with no streaks. Designed for hands-free application, the Neutrogena micro-mist airbrush sunless tanner works at any angle, ensuring you tan every inch of your body.

People who use the Neutrogena micro-mist airbrush sunless tanner love the even natural-looking tan it delivers. However, it can be challenging knowing how to spray evenly. This self-tanner retails at $15.

6. Bondi Sands Aerated Self Tanning Foam (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️4.2 stars)

This is a lightweight, dual tanning, aerosol foam that leaves your skin with a deep bronzed glow that lasts long. It is light as air and dries quickly, leaving you with an even, streak-free tan. It is also infused with Aloe Vera to take care of your skin and coconut for a pleasant scent.

The Bondi Sands Aerated Self Tanning Foam retails at $22.

The Best Sunscreens For Fair Skin

If you have sensitive skin, your relationship with the sun is usually a complicated one. Sure, you may look forward to the warm summer days when it gets cold, but at the back of your mind you know that without proper protection, the sun will damage your skin leaving you with nasty sunburns that take too long to disappear. It gets even worse as you grow older. Even if your skin is not that sensitive, its susceptibility to sunburns rises as you put mileage on.

Luckily, we have done the research for you and found some of the best natural sunscreens that will protect your skin from harmful rays of the sun without any adverse effects on your skin. These are the best sunscreens for sensitive skin;

1. Solbar Zinc 38

The Solbar Zinc 38 retails at $12.

2. Elta Md for body

This oil-free SPF 47 sun block provides safe, broad-spectrum protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is formulated with Zinc oxide which enables it to reflect and scatter away UVA and UVB rays protecting your skin from sunburns and aging. It’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, and noncomedogenic meaning it is safe to use even for sensitive skin. Most users love the Elta Md sunscreen as it provides long lasting protection and since it’s oil and fragrance-free, it is more comfortable to wear on a regular basis.

3. La Roche Posay Anthelios 60

This SPF 60 sunscreen is formulated with Cell-OX Shield technology which combines UVA and UVB filters for advanced protection against the sun. It has an ultra-light, fast absorbing texture that is suitable for daily use even under makeup. It is Paraben-free, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist tested to ensure that it is safe for sensitive skin. People who have used the La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 love its light consistency that absorbs quickly without a greasy feel. Also, the fact that you can wear it with makeup makes it a top choice for women. It retails at $30, which is the main thing that most people do not like about this product.

4. Thinksport Safe Sunscreen

The Thinksport Safe Sunscreen retails at $12.

5. Ambre Solaire Clear Protect 50

This revolutionary SPF 50 sunscreen offers high protection from harmful UV rays in a transparent formulation that is non-sticky and non-greasy, leaving absolutely no white marks as is the case with most other similar sunscreens. It comes in spray form that absorbs quickly and is designed for full body spraying. What people love about the Ambre Solaire Clear Protect 50 is that is is easy to use, absorbs quickly, and leaves no unsightly white streaks after use. However, not many like the $20 price tag it comes with.

6. Sun Sense Factor 50

This SPF 50 sun block is easily applied and quickly absorbed to provide even coverage for broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection. It is a light, non-greasy lotion that also contains moisturizing vitamin B3 that improves the function and appearance of the skin. It is fragrance-free and provides up to 4 hours water resistance, longer than any other sunscreen on our list. The

Sun sense factor 50 is loved particularly for people who plan to go swimming for hours. However, it can have adverse reactions if you get some of it in your eyes or if you apply it on broken skin.

It costs about $18.

7. Alba Botanica Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 50

This SPF 45 sunscreen comes in a clear spray form that consists of a lightweight mist made with natural botanical ingredients including chamomile and aloe to give you a smooth finish without a greasy feeling. It is made with 100% vegetarian and biodegradable ingredients free from gluten, synthetic fragrances, oxybenzone, and other harmful substances. What people love about the Alba Botanica Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 45 is that it is 100% natural and safe to use even for sensitive skin types. It is also one of the cheapest natural sunscreens at $7.50

Best Sunscreen For The Winter

Wearing sunscreen during winter may seem counter-intuitive. But research has proved that no amount of cloud cover can protect your skin from harmful UV radiation. Granted…..

Wearing sunscreen during winter may seem counter-intuitive. But research has proven that no amount of cloud cover can protect your skin from harmful UV radiation. Luckily UVB rays, which cause sunburns and redness, are much weaker during winter.

UVA rays are out in full force all year long. UVA rays are responsible for accelerating skin aging. UVA rays account for 95% of rays that penetrate your skin, and their effects cause a much deeper feeling. Applying sunscreen should, therefore, be an all-year-round affair.

Snow Intensifies Radiation Exposure

The snow and ice during winter reflect 80% of the UV radiation that reaches the earth’s surface, nearly doubling its intensity. So if the allure of the outdoors is too much for you to bear during winter, ensure you apply a fair amount of sunscreen before you head out.

Snow can intensify radiation exposure through its reflection

Winter Sports Increases The Risk Of UV Exposure.

If you’re a winter sports enthusiast, sunscreen is an absolute necessity. According to research by the Skin Cancer Foundation, the intensity of UV rays increases with an increase in altitude. For every 1,000 feet increase in height above sea level, exposure to UV radiation increases by 4 to 5 percent. If you spend a lot of time snowboarding and mountain skiing, ensure you apply at least 30 SPF of sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful rays.

Winter sports will expose you to harmful rays from the sun. In addition if you are at a higher altitude this can cause further harm.

Winter Weather Erodes Sunscreen Protection

When the sun shines directly on your skin, your body will eventually sweat off the sunscreen, thus necessitating reapplication. What you may not realize, however, is that harsh winter conditions will erode your skin protection even faster. The strong winds and the snow will wear away your sunscreen and eventually expose your skin to harmful UV rays. Applying sunscreen in the morning is not enough. You should consider reapplying every two hours and especially after sweating.

Sensitive Skin During Winter

Your skin responds to changes in weather, too. The skin is tanned during summer and gets more pale and drier during winter. The tan is a result of increased melanin concentration to protect the skin from UV radiation. Since the skin is less tanned during winter, it is more sensitive to the sun’s UV radiation. You must, therefore, apply sunscreen constantly to counter these effects. If you have pigmentation spots, you can try Intensive Skin Corrector, a fantastic product that quickly fads the spots without drying out the skin.

If you have sensitive skin then you should be even more careful to protect yourself against the sun’s rays

The Ozone Layer Is Thinnest During Winter

The ozone layer acts as a natural sunscreen. It is nature’s way of protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation that accelerates skin aging. While its effect is strong during summertime, it may not be as effective during winter. Ozone levels are lowest between December and March in the Northern Hemisphere. So you need that bottle of sunscreen even more during winter.

Indoor Dangers

If you intend to spend most of your time indoors during the winter period, you are not exempt from the dangers of UV radiation. According to Dendy Engelman, a dermatologist based in New York, small amounts of infrared and ambient light from your overhead lamps and computer screens can still stimulate your pigment cells. Enjoying the outside view through the window still puts you at risk since UV rays can penetrate glass. Whether you spend your time outdoors or are holed up in the house, you still need sunscreen protection.

Even if you are indoors, you should use the best winter sunscreen to avoid damage to your skin.

In Summary

Sunscreen is an absolute necessity whether you expose yourself to direct sunlight or not. Research has demonstrated that UVA radiation can still penetrate cloud cover and eventually, your skin, thus leading to increased risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Those who participate in activities such as mountain skiing face greater exposure since the snow and ice reflect sunlight and UV radiation increases with an increase in altitude. You need to protect your skin by applying enough sunscreen all year round and more, especially during the winter season.

Keeping Mature Skin Young And Healthy

Mature skin is special, which is why it needs special care. This kind of skin needs to look fabulous and youthful, which does not come naturally anymore. So, what can you do to make sure that your mature skin does not …..

What Is Mature Skin?

Mature skin needs special care. This kind of skin needs to look fabulous and youthful, which does not come naturally. What can you do to make sure that your skin does not betray your age or even make you look older?

Below are some important skincare rules that might help.

Best Eye Cream For Mature Skin

Le Mieux Eye Wrinkle Corrector Vital amino acids and proteins necessary for the optimum production of collagen and elastin — One of the best eye creams – Le Mieux Eye Wrinkle Corrector

Special attention must be given to the eyes of more mature women. Depending on your skin, this is usually about age 45-65. The older that you get, the more critical it is to look after your skin.

The area around the eyes can lose its youthfulness, and therefore it is essential to ensure regular hydration to look young and stay healthy. Eye cream should be applied gently to the area around the eyes until it is fully absorbed.

One of the best eye creams for mature skin is Le Mieux Eye Wrinkle Corrector. It’s a bio-cellular complex that lessens the intensity of dark circles, reduces puffiness, keeps skin hydrated, and improves firmness.

Best Sunscreen

EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 — Our Favorite Facial Sun Cream

The sun is the single most devastating cause of skin damage and, ultimately, skin cancer. It is also one of the major causes of age spots and sunspots.

On the positive side, the sun gets credit as the source of the much-needed vitamin D our skins require.

So, whenever you are out and about in the sun, be sure to have some UV protection. And don’t just use the cream when it’s sunny outside since UV rays penetrate through clouds and glass. Also, when you take a swim, make sure you use some sunscreen to replace what has already been washed off.

Our favorite facial sunscreen is EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF40

Use Hydration in Addition to Facial Oil

At the minimum, you should be hydrating your skin with a moisturizer. Hydration becomes more important as your skin becomes more mature. You should also consider using facial oil for added hydration. Some facial oils are specifically designed to offer this extra layer of hydration. It needs to be applied to the skin and smoothed out slowly until fully absorbed. This should nourish the skin and make it healthier and resistant to the factors that accelerate the aging process. Hydration is particularly important in the winter.

Exfoliating Mature Skin

As the skin ages, the outer layer becomes harder and thicker. Therefore, exfoliation becomes more important to ensure that your skin remains fresh and healthy.

You should not just exfoliate your skin, but the entire body. Signs that you are failing in this regard include having a scale of flaky skin. When you exfoliate, you will also find that your skin responds better to moisturizers and other products you apply to it.

Best Retinol Cream For Wrinkles

Retinol is a very important product to have in your skincare collection if your skin is maturing. This cream is excellent at dealing with fine lines and wrinkles, which begin to emerge once you reach your 30s. The retinol cream works because it can penetrate the outer layers of the skin to the collagen layer. You should use it every night. This product by Kleem combines a moisturizer with the retinol lotion.

Use A Fading Cream

Intensive Skin Corrector will remove your age spots and liver spots and dark spots

Unfortunately, age or sun spots go hand in hand with mature skin. The first thing to do is to wear sunscreen at all times (see above). Next is to use lightening or brightening serum. Some creams and serums will cause drying and peeling, which isn’t pleasant. You can also do an IPL at a dermatologist’s office or spa, but many find this treatment painful. Also, the IPL at the dermatologist only works well the first time.

We have found niacinamide to be particularly useful. It doesn’t dry out the skin, and it works quickly. It builds up keratin levels and grows a ceramide or lipid barrier in the skin. This boosts moisture retention capacity of the skin beneficial in keeping dry skin healthy, firm, and moisturized.

Consequently, this boosts the skins ability to rejuvenate its cells while protecting itself from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. It is also great at naturally reversing the damaging effects of the sun on the skin, such as wrinkles and fine lines.

Check out our best age spot fading cream here. There is currently a $1 special running, which includes free postage.

Conclusion

Mature skin needs special care, which is different from standard skin. By taking the precautions described above, your skin can look younger and healthier for many years.

Tag: Sunscreen