Vitamin D and tanning

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Annarachel
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Joined: Mon Sep 23, 2013 10:41 am
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by Annarachel on Mon Sep 23, 2013 10:53 am

Vitamin D and tanning

Can someone explain to me how tanning and Vitamin D absorption from the sun are linked. Does your skin need to change colour (tan slightly) for Vitamin D absorption to take place?

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Dr Anton Alexandroff
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Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2012 9:11 am
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by Dr Anton Alexandroff on Mon Sep 23, 2013 9:45 pm

Re: Vitamin D and tanning

Good evening Annarachel,

tanning and vitamin D absorption are not linked inversely, I am afraid. The more you tan the less you absorb vitamin D. The biological purpose of tanning is to (partially!!!) protect you from sun burning and skin cancers. However tan does not protect you very much against skin cancers - sun screens are much more effective! Dermatologists recommend sunscreen SPF 30 and higher (I personally use SPF 50). You also should apply them often and liberally. Protective clothing is also helpful (e.g. broad-brimmed hats, long sleeved shirts/trousers/skirts).

I hope this is helpful.
With best wishes,
Dr Anton Alexandroff MRCP(UK) PhD FAAD FRSM
Consultant Dermatologist in Leicester and Bedford
www.alexandroff.org.uk
twitter @bedford_skin_dr
blog: http://privatehealthnews.co.uk/category ... rmatology/
Dr Anton Alexandroff
Consultant Dermatologist, Honorary Senior Lecturer & BSF spokesperson - FRCP, CCT (Derm), PhD, FRSM, FAAD

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... ndroff.php

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