Dermatologists Explain Why Vitamin D Is So Crucial for Healthy Skin (2023)

To sit outside in the sun or not to sit outside in the sun—that is the perennial question we ask ourselves when torn between protecting our skin from UV damage or getting our recommended daily amount of vitamin D. But with all the other methods available, like through diet, oral supplements, or topicals, how necessary is baking in the sun? (Spoiler: it isn't, and will never be, according to our experts). To find out everything there is to know about taking and using vitamin D, including its benefits as well as the possible effects a deficiency can have on the skin, we turned to board-certified dermatologists Jennifer Herrmann, MD, in California; Nikhil Dhingra, MD, at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City; Joshua Zeichner, MD, and Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City; Gervaise Gerstner, MD, in New York City; and Estee Williams, MD, and surgical dermatologist in New York City. Keep reading for the ultimate guide to vitamin D.

Vitamin D

Type of Ingredient: Vitamin

Main benefits: Calms inflammation, protects the skin, and improves cell turnover.

Who should use it: Someone who is deficient should take a vitamin D supplement. Those looking to fight inflammatory skin diseases can consider a prescription topical.

How often can you use it: According to the National Institutes of Health, the average, non-deficient adult should aim for 600 International Units (IU) per day in their diet. As far as topically, Zeichner says there is no harm in using a vitamin D cream daily.

Works well with: When treating psoriasis, Gerstner says topical vitamin D is often used in conjunction with a topical steroid. If using topical vitamin D for anti-aging, Herrmann recommends combining it with other antioxidant vitamins, growth factors, or retinoids.

Don't use with: Zeichner says topical vitamin D cannot be combined with hydroxy acids, like glycolic or salicylic acid, because the acidic pH inactivates vitamin D.

What Is Vitamin D?

VitaminDis a fat-soluble vitamin and one of the most criticalvitaminsfor biological function. Our skin is an important natural reservoir for its production, triggered by UV light into synthesis. Dhingra breaks it down: "Our gut (via diet) and skin (via sunlight) are the two main sources of vitamin D, which is made in two forms—vitaminD3 in the skin and D2 and D3 in the gut—both of which are further modified by our kidneys." Needless to say, inadequate sunlight exposure and poor diet are two of the most common reasons for vitamin D deficiency.

"Someone’s ability to manufacture vitamin D also depends on a person’s skin type (color), sex, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol intake, and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms (variances, which are genetic)," Herrmann says. It's tricky to say how much vitamin D each person needs because it varies with climate, time of year, and diet, but according to the National Institutes of Health, the average (non-deficient) adult should aim for 600 International Units (IU) per day in their diet. Look to fortified foods like milk as well as salmon, eggs, and mushrooms as great food sources of vitamin D.

(Video) Vitamin D and the skin

But can a vitamin D deficiency affect your skin? As it turns out, because vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor immune function, increased inflammation, and decreased insulin sensitivity, Herrmann says deficiency can negatively impact the skin. "Poor immune function weakens the skin barrier, increasing dryness and chance of infections," she explains. "Increased inflammation can worsen inflammatory conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. While we typically associate decreased insulin sensitivity with diabetes (if severe enough), dysregulation of this pathway can lead to worsened acne as well as glycosylated collagen (this makes collagen stiff and age prematurely)."

Vitamin D is available in an oral supplement form for those who are deficient, prescription topical forms to treat inflammatory conditions, and is even found in some over-the-counter beauty products, like oils and moisturizers. However, according to Williams, studies on the benefits of topical vitamin D for normal skin health are lacking.

Benefits of Vitamin Dfor Skin

Dhingra says the chief function of vitamin D is maintaining a calcium balance in our bodies, but it also has functions well beyond this—for instance, the role it plays in skin health. As Zeichner puts it, "Generally speaking, skin health is best improved when your body has a full store of vitamin D." Below are the main ways vitamin D benefits the skin.

  • Decreases inflammation: "The most important practical use ofVitaminDin the skin to date is as a mild-to-moderate anti-inflammatory, used clinically as a cream in the treatment of conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and vitiligo," Dhingra says. "VitaminDdials down exuberant inflammation, alleviating symptoms for those suffering from these conditions."
  • Protects the skin: Dhingra adds that vitaminDfunctions as a steroid, working within a cell’s nucleus to stimulate proliferation, regulate function, and potentially stabilize genes. A 2012 review suggests that Vitamin D may play a protective role in cancers broadly, and skin cancer specifically.
  • Decreases environmental damage: Herrmann and Gerstner say as an antioxidant, topical vitamin D can also squelch damaging environmental oxidants that cause premature aging.
  • Normalizes cell turnover: As Zeichner points out, vitamin D analogs have been shown to normalizecell turnover and prevent the build-up of dead cells on the skin's surface that lead to psoriasisplaques.

Side Effects ofVitamin D

Zeichner says topicalvitaminD is generally safe to use daily, butlike any skincare product, Dhingra says it could cause irritation, depending on how it’s created. Herrmann warns that many of these products are oil-based, which could be too heavy in acne-prone skin and cause pore-clogging.

When taken orally, Dhingra says it’s fairly difficult to consume a significantly excessive amount of vitamin D, but he says that the fat-soluble vitamin can cause excess calcium buildup with nausea, vomiting, mental changes, increased urination, and kidney failure. "This is only ever in the setting of extreme supplementation, which should only be done with a qualified medical professional," Dhingra says. In general, Gerstner recommends not exceeding 4000 IU a day, but always check with your physician and discuss any supplements or vitamins before adding them to your regimen.

How to Take/Apply It

When taking a vitamin D supplement, Zeichner recommends doing so along with a fatty meal of healthy fats, for best absorption.

If using a topical vitamin D prescription, follow the application instructions from your doctor. If you choose to use a topical vitamin D for anti-aging, Herrmann says combining it with other antioxidant vitamins, growth factors, or retinoids can create a "super" product, working on multiple anti-aging pathways.

Vitamin D can also be found in some over-the-counter beauty products. "Medically, I often use a prescription cream-based vitamin D analogue to maintain clearness for psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases," Dhingra says. However, Dhingra adds that outside of its clinical uses in fighting inflammatory skin diseases, the evidence is not concrete enough to strongly recommend everyone implement avitaminD-based product in their skincare line for normal skin health.

For sun-stimulated vitamin D, Dhingra says sunscreen is critical, as well as limiting exposure to no more than 10 to 15 minutes daily, and minimizing the amount of skin you expose.

Other Forms

Herrmann says all methods (injectable, oral, topical, and sun-stimulated) of vitamin D are effective for skin health but adds that a true deficiency is more easily treated by injectable or oral supplementation.

According to Zeichner, daily vitamin D supplementation (via either diet or nutritional supplements) is an effectiveway to replenish low vitamin D levels and is a safer option than sun exposure. "This approach has numerous clear-cut health benefits without an increased risk of premature wrinkles or skin cancer," Dhingra says. If you're concerned that you might be deficient, Williams says to consult your board-certified dermatologist to have your vitamin D level checked with a blood test to determine the appropriate dosage.

Finally, let's address the controversial method of sun exposure. Is it possible to get enough vitamin D from the sun while still protecting yourself from skin cancer? The derms say yes. As Zeichner explains it, our bodies naturally make vitamin D in response to sun exposure. However, the amount you need to produce adequate vitamin D is quite low."In fact, incidental sunlight exposure, even when you are wearing sunscreen, is enough," Zeichner says. "It is a total myth that you need to sunbathe to increase your vitamin D levels." Need some more convincing? Dhingra further explains his theory: Essentially, he says sunlight exposure can be measured by how much it takes to cause your skin to turn slightly pink a day after exposure, which will clearly vary depending on how much melanin your skin possesses. According to Dhingra, your body will hit max production of skin-basedvitaminDwell before this, so baking at the beach is certainly not necessary.

(Video) Skin SIGNS OF LOW VITAMIN D @DrDrayzday

Products with Vitamin D

Dermatologists Explain Why Vitamin D Is So Crucial for Healthy Skin (1)

MuradMulti-Vitamin Infusion Oil$70.00

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While vitamin D is one of the star ingredients, Murad's facial oil also contains calming natural oils and fatty acids meant for added hydration and protection—just a bonus!

Dermatologists Explain Why Vitamin D Is So Crucial for Healthy Skin (2)

Drunk ElephantD-Bronzi™ Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops$36.00

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A fantastic serum for protecting skin against pollution and free radicals, Drunk Elephant's D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops also has a hint of pigment for a subtle glow.

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Dermatologists Explain Why Vitamin D Is So Crucial for Healthy Skin (3)

HerbivoreEmerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil$48.00

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Containing hemp seed and squalane, Herbivore'sEmerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil promises to help improve skin dullness, dryness, and inflammation while, of course, delivering a healthy dose of vitamin D.

FAQ

  • Does a vitamin D deficiency contribute to acne?

    Studies have shown that those with acne saw improvement after increasing vitamin D intake. But, always check with your physician and discuss any supplements or vitamins before adding them to your regimen.

    (Video) How to supplement VITAMIN D SAFELY- dermatologist advice
  • Can you take too much vitamin D?

    Yes. Among other side effects, taking too much vitamin D can cause a buildup of calcium content in the blood.

  • Does vitamin D make skin glow?

    Vitamin D can help improve skin conditions like psoriasis and acne, potentially resulting in clearer, brighter skin.

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FAQs

Why is vitamin D important to our health skin? ›

Vitamin D helps repair skin damage and prevent infections as a result of skin injuries. Topical application can relieve symptoms of psoriasis including itchy and flaky skin. Additionally, Vitamin D has strong anti-inflammatory properties which are useful in treating burns, skin damage, and even stretch marks.

Why is vitamin D important to our health select any all answers that apply? ›

It's essential for bone density, building your immune system and regulating cell growth, among other key biologic functions. Research has suggested that low levels of this vitamin may be linked to diabetes and heart disease.

What is the importance of vitamin D quizlet? ›

Why is vitamin D important? maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. It helps the body absorb calcium that is necessary for building and maintaining healthy bones.

Why is it important to get enough vitamin D What impact can be seen in the skeleton from a vitamin D deficiency? ›

Vitamin D is necessary for strong bones and muscles. Without Vitamin D, our bodies cannot effectively absorb calcium, which is essential to good bone health. Children who lack Vitamin D develop a condition called rickets, which causes bone weakness, bowed legs, and other skeletal deformities, such as stooped posture.

Does vitamin D Help Improve skin? ›

Often called the 'sunshine vitamin', vitamin D plays an integral role in skin protection and rejuvenation. In its active form as calcitriol, vitamin D contributes to skin cell growth, repair, and metabolism. It enhances the skin's immune system and helps to destroy free radicals that can cause premature ageing.

What happens to your skin when you lack vitamin D? ›

You may experience red, dry and itchy skin due to vitamin D deficiency. Intake of vitamin D can help you treat such skin problems. It can also reduce skin rashes. Vitamin D is also beneficial for treating eczema which is also a skin condition.

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