Your guide to Vitamin D

All You Need to Know About Vitamin D

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO VITAMIN D AND SOURCES OF VITAMIN D
Find out more about this D vitamin everyone is talking about. Discover who is at risk of vitamin D deficiency and how you can enjoy the sun while looking after your skin.

An introduction to vitamin D

Find out how vitamin D and sunscreen can work together and discover the physical and mental health benefits of the D vitamin.

Why is sunscreen so important?

When we go out in the sun, we often just think about the sun’s warmth and the light we can see.

The problem is that there are many harmful rays we are being exposed to. UV rays can be extremely dangerous as they penetrate through the layers of skin.

Short wavelength UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and direct DNA damage. Whilst UVA rays play only a minor role in sunburn, they can trigger sun allergies and cause long-term damage to the connective tissue, leading to premature skin aging.

Did you know that UV rays can even pass through glass and clothes? This is why it is so important to wear sunscreen like NIVEA Protect & Refresh Refreshing Sun Lotion to protect your skin and health.

The happy drug

Sunshine has its good sides, too. It is great for lifting the mood and putting smiles on faces. Sunny days capture so many happy memories – whether it is strolling through the park with your partner, relaxing on the beach with the girls or a day out with the kids.

Here comes the sun

Spending time in the sun is not just good for your mood but also your health. While a healthy diet gives you most essential nutrients, getting out in the sun is the best way to achieve sufficient Vitamin D levels, which can mean stronger bones and a tougher immune system.

Your burning questions on vitamin D answered

Find out how best to look after your health all year round with the best sources of vitamin D and tips for skincare in the sun.

Vitamin D and sunscreen

Vitamin D is essential for people of all ages – from toddlers all the way through to great grannies. Aside from the protection vitamin D gives against heart and immune system problems, it is essential for healthy bones.

As children are growing, their bodies need vitamin D to promote bone growth. Even as adults, we want to ensure we have strong bones to avoid any nasty breaks.

But how can the skin produce vitamin D when we use sunscreen? No sunscreen protects you completely from the sun. Even when wearing sunscreen there will be enough UVB to allow the production of vitamin D in the skin.

Who needs to watch out for vitamin D deficiency?

Some people are more at risk of vitamin D deficiency than others. Babies, young children, and the elderly may not be able to go out in the sun as much because of very sensitive skin, their age or fitness level. Even people who work long hours in an office can miss out on the sun.

5 ways to get enough vitamin D without compromising your skin

Remember to wear a hat and sunglasses
Use your lunch break to get the 15 minutes of sunlight you need to produce enough vitamin D
Don’t hide indoors but apply sunscreen to protect yourself from UV rays
If you are vitamin D deficient, eat vitamin D enriched foods or take vitamin D supplements
Especially in winter you should take care of your vitamin D level, as the sun is very weak

Enjoy the sun sensibly with sunscreen that lets you absorb vitamin D

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NIVEA SUN Kids Protect & Care Lotion SPF 50+

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Protect & Moisture Moisturising Sun Lotion

What does SPF in sunscreen mean?

Ever wondered what SPF and the various numbers on your sunscreen bottle really mean? Delve into the science of sun protection to find out how to care for your skin while having fun in the sun. We show you which sunscreen is best for your skin type and how long it will keep your skin safe.