Using sunscreen daily harmful to your skin

Question

Is the daily use of sunscreen harmful to your skin barrier because it blocks sun rays from giving people the Vitamin D they need? Please let me know as someone who values skincare.

Comments

Based on my research, the claim that “using sunscreen daily is harmful to your skin” is false. Here’s what I found:

First of all, a Q&A site like Quora.com is not a valid source as the information comes from individual users instead of licensed professionals. After a quick google search of the main claim “Is using sunscreen daily harmful to your skin?” I found multiple sources that prove that daily sunscreen is in fact crucial to protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

The first reliable source I found was an article from the American Medical Association called “What doctors wish patients knew about wearing sunscreen”. The AMA is a licensed organization with educated professionals in varying medical fields, with this article focused on statements from two dermatologists.

- Evelyn Jones, MD, a dermatologist and owner of WellSprings Dermatology and WellSprings SkinCare in Paducah, Kentucky.

- Klint Peebles, MD, a dermatologist in Washington and suburban Maryland at Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, a member of the AMA Health System Program.

The article lists multiple points on how to properly choose, apply, and reapply sunscreen. The first sentence of the article, “wearing sunscreen is one of the easiest ways to protect your skin’s appearance and health at any age,” already disproves the initial claim, with the article then going into more detail about how wearing sunscreen helps to prevent skin cancer.

Although this article is from 2022, meaning that it isn’t the most recently posted evidence, it is still a reliable source. If this claim was about politics or current events, an article from three years ago might not be the best evidence to use, but facts proven by medical professionals and dermatologists are still reliable after three years.

In addition, I investigated “The science of sunscreen” published by Harvard Health, yet another incredibly reliable source backed up by professionals of a prestigious university and medical school. Dr. Jennifer Lin, an assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the Melanoma Risk and Prevention Clinic at Brigham and Women's Hospital answers commonly asked questions about sunscreen. This article states the many benefits of wearing daily sunscreen, but it also addresses some potential worries that people have about sunscreen.

There is a question asking “Is there evidence that sunscreen actually causes skin cancer?” in which Dr. Lin replies with a no, stating that those who use more sunscreen are also the ones who are exposing themselves to more of the suns harmful rays. This means that there is a direct correlation from sun exposure to skin cancer, not sunscreen to skin cancer.

https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-wearing-sunscreen

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-science-of-sunscreen

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This comment seems to be seemingly false. Daily sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation, which can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. There are many concerns about sunscreen damaging the skin barrier or causing vitamin D deficiency are common, but current research provides evidence against those common claims.
An article published in the journal Life showed the effects of sunscreen on various parameters of skin health, including transepidermal water loss, stratum corneum hydration, and skin elasticity. The findings indicated that sunscreen use does not affect the skin barrier function or overall skin homeostasis.
https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/12/12/2083?
While it's true that UVB rays from the sun are necessary for the skin to create vitamin D, research indicates that regular sunscreen use does not lead to vitamin D deficiency. Research has shown that people who use sunscreen daily can maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sun-protection-and-vitamin-d/?
In summary, sunscreen use is a vital component of keeping a healthy skincare routine, protecting against UV damage without harming the skin barrier or significantly inhibiting vitamin D. Balancing sun protection with mindful vitamin D intake through diet or supplements can help you keep overall health while protecting your skin.

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The claim that using sunscreen daily is harmful to your skin because you are blocking the sun rays is false. Wearing sunscreen daily is proven by dermatologists that it is essential to your skin barrier. “Contrary to common concerns, research indicates that the regular use of sunscreen does not significantly impair the body’s ability to produce vitamin D.” (Bask Sunscare). According to the American Academy of Dermatology, wearing sunscreen helps prevent harmful sun rays from harming your skin. AAD gives examples on sunscreens' benefits such as decreasing signs of early aging, decreasing risk of developing skin cancer, and preventing sunburn. It is important to note that while sunscreen significantly lowers the exposure to UVB rays, it does not block all 100%. This is backed up by Bask Suncare unveiling-the-truth-does-sunscreen-block-vitamin-d, the AAD https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/is-sunscreen-safe#, and NIH uvfilters. Daily use of sunscreen is not harming our skin, but doing the opposite!

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Great response that gets straight to the point. Also uses a very reputable source. Keep it up! The main question that this claim gives rise to is are there any differences between the different sunscreen brands and if they have an effect?

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This claim is not true. Sunscreen is something healthcare professionals suggest you wear every day. Sunscreen does not block your skin from obtaining good vitamins such as vitamin D but does block your skin from harmful UV rays that hurt you. In research done by AMA, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and  Harvard Health, sunscreen is something that should be a part of your daily routine. It benefits your skin by reducing the risk of skin cancer and helping your skin stay as healthy as possible when spending time outdoors. Your body is still able to take in Vitamin D while being protected from Ultra ultraviolet rays that can burn your skin. In a study done by Harvard Health it states, "but there's debate about whether this is actually necessary when vitamin D can be obtained from certain foods and as an oral supplement. Concern about vitamin D deficiency should not be a reason to avoid sunscreen." (Harvard Health). Ultimately this claim is false.

Sources: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-science-of-sunscreen

https://www.ama-assn.org/

Answer 1

Based on my research, the claim that “using sunscreen daily is harmful to your skin” is false. Here’s what I found:

First of all, a Q&A site like Quora.com is not a valid source as the information comes from individual users instead of licensed professionals. After a quick google search of the main claim “Is using sunscreen daily harmful to your skin?” I found multiple sources that prove that daily sunscreen is in fact crucial to protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. 

The first reliable source I found was an article from the American Medical Association called “What doctors wish patients knew about wearing sunscreen”. The AMA is a licensed organization with educated professionals in varying medical fields, with this article focused on statements from two dermatologists. 

 

• Evelyn Jones, MD, a dermatologist and owner of WellSprings Dermatology and WellSprings SkinCare in Paducah, Kentucky.
• Klint Peebles, MD, a dermatologist in Washington and suburban Maryland at Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group, a member of the AMA Health System Program.

The article lists multiple points on how to properly choose, apply, and reapply sunscreen. The first sentence of the article, “wearing sunscreen is one of the easiest ways to protect your skin’s appearance and health at any age,” already disproves the initial claim, with the article then going into more detail about how wearing sunscreen helps to prevent skin cancer.

Although this article is from 2022, meaning that it isn’t the most recently posted evidence, it is still a reliable source. If this claim was about politics or current events, an article from three years ago might not be the best evidence to use, but facts proven by medical professionals and dermatologists are still reliable after three years. 

In addition, I investigated “The science of sunscreen” published by Harvard Health, yet another incredibly reliable source backed up by professionals of a prestigious university and medical school. Dr. Jennifer Lin, an assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the Melanoma Risk and Prevention Clinic at Brigham and Women's Hospital answers commonly asked questions about sunscreen. This article states the many benefits of wearing daily sunscreen, but it also addresses some potential worries that people have about sunscreen. 

There is a question asking “Is there evidence that sunscreen actually causes skin cancer?” in which Dr. Lin replies with a no, stating that those who use more sunscreen are also the ones who are exposing themselves to more of the suns harmful rays. This means that there is a direct correlation from sun exposure to skin cancer, not sunscreen to skin cancer. 

https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-wearing-sunscreen

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-science-of-sunscreen

Answer 2

Using sunscreen protects our skin and is not harmful. Some people believe that sunscreen causes skin cancer. However, Harvard Health states that " it was the high amounts of sun exposure, not the sunscreen, that elevated their risk of skin cancer." Also, one research by NIH shows that "sunscreen use reduces the risk of squamous cell and melanoma skin cancer," and they say sunscreen prevents not only skin cancer but also "sunburn and skin photoaging." As for vitamin D, there is an insistence that "sunscreen blocks ultraviolet B rays, which are shortwave rays from the sun that are important for generating vitamin D in the skin. However, because most people apply far less than the recommended amount (about one short glass-sized amount to the body and a teaspoonful to the face) of sunscreen, users typically aren't deficient in vitamin D."

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7759112/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-science-of-sunscreen

Using sunscreen daily harmful to your skin

Answer 3

The claim that using sunscreen daily is harmful to your skin is false. Dermatologists widely agree that daily sunscreen use is essential for protecting the skin from UV damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) strongly recommends daily sunscreen application, stating, “Wearing sunscreen every day—even when it’s cloudy—protects your skin from harmful UV rays that cause premature aging and skin cancer.” The organization clarifies that modern sunscreens are designed to be safe for daily use, and the benefits far outweigh any potential risks.
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen/how-to-select-sunscreen

Additionally, a study published in JAMA Dermatology found that long-term daily sunscreen use significantly reduces the risk of skin cancer and does not harm the skin. Some concerns have been raised about certain chemical sunscreen ingredients, but extensive research by the FDA has found that approved sunscreens are safe when used as directed.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/1896180

This claim is false. Dermatologists and health organizations universally recommended daily sunscreen use to protect against UV-related skin damage. It is dangerous to spread this claim, because not using sunscreen can contribute to rates of skin cancer, which can be very harmful. 

Answer 4

My skin has always been very sensitive to the sun, and throughout my life, I’ve been constantly reminded to wear sunscreen to protect myself from skin cancer as I get older. Anytime I get sunburned, my parents are quick to say, "I told you so," insisting that if I had worn sunscreen, I wouldn’t have damaged my skin. Because of this, I’ve never questioned its importance and had never even heard the claim that sunscreen could be harmful.

While researching this claim, I found many trustworthy sources that completely contradict it. A reliable article from Harvard Health discusses concerns about sunscreen ingredients, particularly oxybenzone. However, there is no solid evidence proving that it’s harmful to humans. The article states, “Even if you avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, you may encounter it in other products, including plastic, hairspray, and nail polish” (Harvard Health). This means that avoiding sunscreen because of this ingredient wouldn’t make much of a difference since it’s commonly found in everyday products. The article also explains that sunscreen is not the cause of skin cancer, excessive sun exposure is. In fact, sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer. While it does block some vitamin D absorption, most people don’t apply enough for this to become a real issue. Another credible source, Johns Hopkins Medicine, supports this argument by explaining how sunscreen protects against UVB rays, which cause sunburns and skin cancer. Its purpose is to shield the skin from damage, and there is no evidence that it harms the skin in any way.

After looking into this claim, I couldn’t find any reliable sources supporting the idea that sunscreen is harmful. The real danger comes from the sun itself, and without sunscreen, skin damage is much more likely. While some may worry about certain ingredients, the Harvard Health article confirms that they have not been proven harmful. Therefore, the claim that sunscreen is bad for the skin is false.

Sources- 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-science-of-sunscreenhttps://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sunscreen-and-your-morning-routine

Answer 5

The claim that daily use of sunscreen is harmful to your skin barrier because it blocks sun rays from giving people the Vitamin D they need is false. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “If you're concerned that sunscreen will put you at risk for vitamin D deficiency, there's an easy solution. Your doctor can recommend a vitamin D supplement, such as 800 IU of vitamin D3 daily,” This information comes from Dr. Jennifer Lin, an assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the Melanoma Risk and Prevention Clinic at Brigham and Women's Hospital. She claims that the recommended amount of sunscreen does not put users at a Vitamin D deficiency. This information leads me to believe that using sunscreen daily is not harmful for your skin.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-science-of-sunscreen

Answer 6

This claim is false. Even though someone wears sunscreen, it does not mean they do not access any Vitamin D. There are two different types of sunscreen: chemical and physical. Harverd Health Publishing highlights the two major differences between them. "Physical blockers reflect ultraviolet rays from the sun and contain one of two active ingredients, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Chemical blockers contain chemicals that absorb the sun's ultraviolet rays."

Sunscreen was created to keep individuals safe from skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermetolgy Assocication featured all the positive things sunscreen does to protect our skin, like "Reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, Prevent sunburn, Decrease signs of early aging on your skin like wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin, Stop existing melasma from darkening and new patches from appearing, Reduce the risk of dark spots appearing when acne, psoriasis, or another skin condition clears." Suncreen is here to help and not hurt our skin.

Articles: 

https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/is-sunscreen-safe

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-science-of-sunscreen

Answer 7

My research has found that the claim that wearing sunscreen daily is harmful to your skin, is false. Everything I found agrees that concerns about vitamin D shouldn’t be more important than concerns about skin cancer or other negative effects of too much sun exposure. A journal written by the National Library of Medicine that aimed to address the concern that sunscreen can block the necessary consumption of vitamin D by our skin “found no association or that self-reported sunscreen use was associated with higher D concentration.” Although this study can’t fully confirm that there are no negative associations between sunscreen and vitamin D, it can provide evidence that the risk is very low. An article from Boston University published this year also disproves the claims that say wearing sunscreen every day has negative effects. The article quotes dermatologists and skin care professionals, stating that the sun can cause sunspots, melanoma, other skin cancers, and more if you don’t wear sunscreen. It also claims that skin cancer is something one in five Americans develop, which is definitely an alarming statistic. 

Both of these sources provide evidence for why sunscreen is necessary everyday, why not wearing it is harmful, and that wearing it doesn’t cause any further damage such as too little vitamin D. 

Sources: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30945275/ 

https://www.bu.edu/articles/2024/do-you-really-need-to-wear-sunscreen/ 

Answer 8

No, Sunscreen isn't harmful to your skin barrier and does not block Vitamin D. This claim isn't true because Vitamin D is good for you and your bone growth, as well as boosting your immune system. It regulates your calcium levels, while not using sunscreen at all can lead to conditions for your skin. " We all need vitamin D. It spurs bone growth, and without it we’d be at high risk of conditions such as osteoporosis. Vitamin D also gives an important boost to the immune system, and some in the medical community believe it can help stave off any number of diseases, while a D deficiency can open a Pandora’s box of ailments."

https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sun-protection-and-vitamin-d/

Answer 9

It seems untrue; it is a long-standing myth/ question if there is such a thing as too much sunscreen, but it's been disproved. The Quora post titled "Is there such thing as too much sunscreen?" was authored by a user on the site, Quora is a platform where individuals can post, so the credibility is up to the individual author. Given that the author's credentials are not provided, it's best to find more credible sources. From what I found, Medical and dermatological experts generally agree that sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin from harmful UV rays.

Some sources I found that support  https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun 

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-science-of-sunscreen 

Answer 10

Sunscreen doesn't harm your skin barrier. It actually protects it from UV damage, which is one of the main things that breaks it down. As for vitamin D, most people still get enough from incidental sun (like walking outside) even with sunscreen on. You only need a little sun exposure, and if your low, supplements are an easy fix.

I like that you're thinking about the bigger picture, but there's no need to choose between healthy skin and enough vitamin D when you can have both.