“It has been questioned whether or not dermatologists contribute to the increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency because of sun protection recommendations, Dr. Suh said. However, studies have shown that most Americans probably do not use sun protection properly or adequately enough to cause vitamin D deficiency.”

— From an article in Skin & Allergy News, quoting University of California-Los Angeles dermatologist Dr. Ki-Young Suh. “What Suh and Skin & Allergy News seem to be admitting in a backwards way is that if people DID follow American Academy of Dermatology recommendations for sun protection then they could be vitamin D deficient,” Smart Tan Vice President Joseph Levy said. “Instead of admitting outright that their old recommendations were wrong, they’re admitting it in a confusing fashion that seems like something an attorney would write to deny liability.”

The American Academy of Dermatology and the sunscreen-industry sponsored Skin Cancer Foundation have for years recommended daily use of sunscreen even when sunburn isn’t possible — recommendations that misbrand sunscreen, which is only designed for sunburn prevention. The groups have for the past year been looking for ways to rationalize those misguided recommendations while attempting to make the case that they are not causing vitamin D deficiency.

Smart Tan recommends chemical sunscreen be used only to prevent sunburn when sunburn is possible.

To read the Skin & Allergy News story click here.