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

This claim is untrue. The daily use of sunscreen isn't harmful to your skin, and it doesn’t block vitamin D as much as people think. Yes, it is proven that sunscreen is strong enough to filter out UVB rays, which help with vitamin D production; however, it is scientifically impossible for companies to produce a sunscreen that is strong enough to block an individual's consumption of vitamin D completely. Also, in a study done by Harvard Health, they discuss how you can still get vitamin D through food or supplements without risking sun damage. Ultimatley, there are no downsides to daily sunscreen use, so this claim of it being harmful is completely untrue. 

Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). The science of sunscreen. Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-science-of-sunscreen

Answer 2

This may sound like it's true but it is not after finding an article called You Should Be Wearing Sunscreen Every Day It talks about the contrary how sunscreen is actually good for your skin even if it is not sunny because certain sun rays can go through clouds and still hit our skin.  "anyone over 6 months of age should be applying sun protection every day. This is because you’re being exposed to more of the sun’s harmful rays than you might think." after saying this they dive into how even office lights produce small amounts of ultra violet ray which is not good for the skin along with catching higher concentration ultra violet rays through your house windows and even car windows. I also found another article by Harvard Health Publishing that says the only chemical that are in sunscreen that could be harmful are "there has been no conclusive evidence that oxybenzone is harmful to humans." m which to me seals the deal that sunscreen is not harmful to our skin whatsoever and if anything I think more people would benefit from wearing more sun screen.

You Should Be Wearing Sunscreen Every Day

The science of sunscreen - Harvard Health

Answer 3

The claim that using sunscreen daily is harmful to human skin is false.  Referencing reputable sources such as Mayo Clinic for medical questions or concerns is an important step in verifying or refuting claims such as these.  Websites such as Quora.com can be commented on by anyone, creating a lack of reliable information.  Mayo Clinic debunked this myth on their website, claiming that "Even well-applied sunscreen lets 2% to 3% of the sun's ultraviolet B rays reach your skin, and your body needs only a little to produce vitamin D. Rather than risk skin cancer, it's better to seek your vitamin D needs through a healthy diet or supplement."  

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/myth-or-fact-coconut-is-an-effective-sunscreen

Using sunscreen daily harmful to your skin

Answer 4

This is false. According to Harvard Health, sunscreen has been shown to protect against all three major types of skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The article also states that sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide help reflect sun rays. Sunscreen also does not absorb into your skin it sits on top of it. According to an article from Very Well Health, Sunscreen can reduce UVB rays (vitamin D). However, wearing sunscreen will not significantly hinder your vitamin D production. Experts recommend eating vitamin D rich foods such as fish and oranges or going outside 10-20 minutes a day to getting an ample amount of vitamin D.

The science of sunscreen - Harvard Health

Does Sunscreen Block Vitamin D?

Answer 5

The claim that daily use of sunscreen is harmful to your skin barrier and black vitamin D is false. Multiple studies reveal how sunscreen protects the skin's barrier from UV damage. According to PubMed, sunscreen reduces inflammation and supports healthy skin. The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology also noticed that sunscreens that contain ceramides can strengthen hydration and skin barrier. It’s also false that sunscreen causes vitamin D deficiency. While it does block some UVB rays, it doesn’t block all of them. The British Journal of Dermatology says that people still produce enough vitamin D with daily sunscreen use. The National Academies of Sciences verifies that sunscreen use does not result in deficiency. You can also get vitamin D from food or supplements. Overall, the science shows that sunscreen is safe and does not harm your skin or vitamin D levels.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36556448/ 

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.15977 

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

https://www.nationalacademies.org/based-on-science/sunscreen-does-not-cause-vitamin-d-deficiency 

Answer 6

No sunscreen is not harmful to your skin, sunscreen has Oxybenzone, which have been studying on rats and it didn't harm them at all. They thought that it was harmful to the skin because it was able to cross embrace in the body but there was no evidence about it

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

Answer 7

Sunscreen is good for your skin, not harmful to the skin barrier. As Johns Hopkins Medicine says, sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging by used daily. Harvard Health Publishing also recommends sunscreen for skin cancer prevention, including melanoma prevention, which has been demonstrated in cohort studies as well as prospective randomized trials. This reliable information supports that sunscreen helps your skin barrier.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sunscreen-and-your-morning-routine

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