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Vitamin D is essential for the body, and its deficiency causes, among other things, rickets in children and loss of bone density in adults (which causes osteoporosis and fractures).
Furthermore, a lack of vitamin D is related to different types of diseases since it is essential for the immune system to fight the bacteria and viruses that attack it.
The enzymes that produce vitamin D (related to bone metabolism, the immune and cardiovascular systems) are activated by sun exposure.
“However, this is not always a good choice, because the synthesis is not the same in all people.
Furthermore, the benefits obtained are nullified by the risk of skin cancer,” says Dr. Marina Abed Dickinson, doctor at the Dermatology Service of the Italian Hospital.
And here comes the paradox: when we use sunscreen, we avoid the evils associated with solar radiation but we do not produce the vitamin D necessary for the proper functioning of the body.
Additionally, clouds, smog, advanced age, and dark-colored skin reduce the amount of vitamin D generated by the skin (and the same goes for glass: the dermis exposed to sunlight through a window does not produce the vitamin either).
Dermatologists, then, advise obtaining vitamin D with a balanced diet (but there are very few foods that contain this vitamin naturally) or with supplements.
The best (and most natural) way for the body to manufacture vitamin D is to expose yourself to direct sun without protection.
“If they choose to expose themselves, it is enough to sunbathe for 15 minutes (without protection and during peak hours), three times a week and on a single part of the body, for example, the torso,” explains Abed Dikinson.
See also 9 reasons to incorporate vitamin C into your facial routine