A word about the sunscreen that almost everyone uses these days — it does more harm than good to your skin.
Doctors at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences have said that the sunscreen blocks the absorption of natural vitamin D which is needed for strong bones.
Prof. Sushil Gupta, faculty, department of endocrinology, SGPGIMS, told reporters that the body stops absorbing vitamin D after someone applies a sunscreen lotion with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) more than eight units.
He explained that a person gets vitamin D through natural sources when he/she is exposed to the sun but young girls are scared of tanning and to prevent themselves from sun burn, they apply sunscreen lotion on their body which deprives them of vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead thin and brittle bones, which increases the risk of osteoporosis.
The common fractures caused by osteoporosis are those of hip, spine and forearm. Apart from osteoporosis, lack of Vitamin D in the body results pain in muscles and bone, muscle weakness and easy fatigability. Besides this, vitamin D deficiency causes cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and congestive heart failure.
According to the doctor, more than 70 per cent of India’s population suffers from vitamin D deficiency. Researchers feel that vitamin D is necessary for good health. It also regulates cell growth, neuro-muscular and immune function in the body and studies say that it even plays an important role in preventing cancer.
So the next time you reach out for a sun block cream or lotion, think again.