Excessive Sunscreen Protection Causes Woman to Break Bones by Rolling in Bed

On May 23rd, 2025, a Chinese woman in Chengdu, China, was found to have a severe vitamin D deficiency due to excessive sunscreen use, resulting in a bone fracture from simply rolling in bed. Doctors at XinDu Traditional Medicine Hospital revealed the case of a 48-year-old woman who had low vitamin D levels, leading to accelerated bone loss and severe osteoporosis. The patient’s avoidance of sunlight by always wearing sunscreen outdoors had a detrimental impact on her bone health, serving as a cautionary tale for those who overuse sunscreen.

Jiang Xiaobing, director of Orthopedic Spine Surgery at Guangzhou Medical University, highlighted the importance of sunlight exposure for vitamin D synthesis and calcium absorption. While sunscreen serves to protect against skin cancer, excessive use can hinder bone health due to reduced vitamin D production. The viral case in China raised concerns about societal beauty standards encouraging excessive sunscreen use, potentially leading to significant health issues for women.

(Source: Unsplash)