Vitamin D & Sunscreen: Do You Really Need Both for Healthy Skin?

We’ve all heard the myth that sunscreen stops vitamin D production, but is there any truth to it? Vitamin D plays a crucial role in supporting our bone strength, immune function, and skin health.

Since our bodies produce it from sunlight, some worry that wearing sunscreen daily might interfere with vitamin D production and lead to deficiencies. While SPF protection helps prevent premature aging and lowers the risk of skin cancer, does it also reduce vitamin D levels?

At COOLA, we understand that finding the right balance between sunscreen and vitamin D can be confusing. The good news? We don’t have to choose.

This guide explains how our bodies make vitamin D, whether SPF affects production, and how to keep our skin protected while still making sure we get the vitamin D we need.

Why Vitamin D Matters for Our Skin

Vitamin D is essential for our skin health, working behind the scenes to support its strength and function. It offers the following benefits for resilient, healthy skin:

• Supports skin cell renewal and repair. Helps regenerate skin cells, aiding in wound healing and reducing irritation.
• Helps maintain a strong skin barrier. Contributes to moisture retention and protection against environmental stressors.
• Protects against inflammation. Vitamin D helps regulate our skin’s immune response, reducing redness, sensitivity, and flare-ups from conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Knowing how vitamin D helps keep skin healthy is important, but how do our bodies produce it?

How Does Our Body Make Vitamin D?

When sunlight hits our skin, our bodies start a biological process that turns those rays into vitamin D. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays interact with a natural compound in our skin, triggering a reaction that eventually produces vitamin D3.

Once created, our liver and kidneys convert vitamin D3 into its active form, which we need to support calcium levels, bone strength, and overall health.

How much vitamin D we produce depends on a few different factors:

• Time of day and season matter. The midday sun provides the most UVB exposure, while winter months and shorter days mean we get less.
• Where you live plays a role. Northern regions or places with long winters naturally receive less UVB.
• Skin tone affects production. Melanin absorbs UVB, so darker skin tones take longer to produce vitamin D than lighter skin tones.

Yes, sunscreen filters UVB rays but doesn’t block vitamin D entirely. Research shows that even with daily SPF, our bodies absorb enough to maintain healthy levels.

So, let’s separate fact from fiction and find the best way to protect our skin while getting the vitamin D we need.

Purpose of Sunscreen and Its Benefits

Sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to protect the skin from UV damage. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays reach deep into our skin, accelerating signs of aging, while UVB rays cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Using SPF daily shields our skin from both UVA and UVB rays, preventing long-term damage at the cellular level. Choosing the right sunscreen makes a difference—not just in protection but also in how it feels on our skin.

That’s why we recommend lightweight, nourishing SPF formulas like our Dew Good Illuminating Serum with SPF 30, which adds hydration with a radiant finish, or our Illuminating Body Melt Lotion with SPF 40, which absorbs quickly for all-over nourishment.

Our lips are just as vulnerable to sun damage, whether out for a run, at the beach, or hitting the slopes. That’s why we love Liplux® Hydrating Lip Oil with SPF 30—it keeps our lips soft, nourished, and protected from UV exposure.

And remember—sun protection isn’t just for sunny days or fair skin. We’re exposed to UV rays year-round, no matter the weather. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays reach our skin. While melanin provides some natural defense, none of us are immune to sun damage. That’s why we make SPF a daily habit—every season, every skin type.

Myth vs. Reality: Does Sunscreen Block Vitamin D?

Even high-SPF formulas allow some UVB rays to reach our skin, ensuring that our bodies can still produce vitamin D. Research shows the minimal effect sunscreen has on vitamin D synthesis in our bodies:

• Sunscreen doesn’t block all UVB rays. SPF 30 still allows about 3% of UVB rays through, and SPF 50 lets in around 2%—more than enough to trigger vitamin D production.
• Vitamin D levels remain steady. Studies on daily SPF 15 users show no significant drop in vitamin D, even with consistent sunscreen use.
• Real-world use means even more exposure. Missed spots, thin application, and daily outdoor time mean we usually meet the daily UVB required to produce vitamin D.
• Our bodies don’t need much sun exposure. Research shows that just an hour of midday sun on exposed skin a few times a week is enough—without risking sunburn.

We don’t have to choose between sun protection and vitamin D. A high-quality daily sunscreen keeps our skin safe from damage while our bodies still get the vitamin D we need—no trade-offs necessary.

Protecting Skin While Maintaining Vitamin D Levels

Maintaining healthy vitamin D levels doesn’t mean we need to skip sunscreen. While sun exposure helps trigger production, we have plenty of other ways to get enough vitamin D without increasing our risk of skin damage:

• Incorporate more vitamin D-rich foods into our diets, like salmon, mackerel, fortified dairy, eggs, and mushrooms.
• Take a supplement to maintain optimal levels, especially if we get little sun or have deeper skin tones.
• Spend a few minutes outdoors in the early morning or late afternoon, whether going for a walk, taking a stretch break, or grabbing a coffee.
• Use a hydrating SPF, like our Refreshing Water Cream with SPF 50, to keep skin protected while keeping it nourished.

With these strategies, we can keep our skin safe while ensuring our bodies get the vitamin D they need—there’s no need to choose between the two.

Protect Your Skin Without Compromise

At COOLA, we make SPF an effortless part of your daily routine, allowing you to protect your skin while fully enjoying the outdoors.

We are committed to creating clean, effective SPF products that do more than shield against the sun. Made with at least 70% organic ingredients, our broad-spectrum formulas use BlueScreen® and Plant Protection® Complex technologies to defend against UVA and UVB rays while nourishing skin.

Shop our collection today to find high-quality, skin-loving sunscreens designed to protect, nourish, and support a healthy vitamin D balance.