Vitamin D and Healthy Skin

What is the relationship between Vitamin D3 and healthy skin?

Vitamin D3 and its active metabolites are essential for good skin health by aiding in the regulation, growth, and repair of skin cells. One way they do this is by maintaining the skin's natural barrier, ensuring it stays hydrated and protected from environmental stressors.  Next, Vitamin D3 has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce redness and irritation, making it beneficial for conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. Furthermore, it supports the healing process of wounds and helps protect the skin from UV-induced damage, reducing the risk of premature aging and skin cancer. Overall, adequate Vitamin D3 levels are crucial for maintaining smooth, radiant, and healthy skin.

The sad truth:

Many, if not most of us, have inadequate levels of this vitamin!  This lack of proper vitamin D3 levels can decrease the important physiological functions of the skin noted above.  And it gets worse.  As we age, the concentration of the precursor of vitamin D3 in the skin declines approximately by 50% from age 20 to age 80 years.  This means our own skin is simply no longer able to produce the precursor to Vit D3 like it once did.  (There goes your theory that sun exposure will adequately meet your Vitamin D needs - especially as we age!). Other reasons for this decline include lack of adequate consumption in our diets, as well as the fact that what we may consume is often not adequately absorbed and/or metabolized by our bodies.  When I think about my own situation, I work inside all day, and I am adamant about wearing mineral based sunscreen, UPF clothing, and hats when my skin is exposed.  All of these things protect my skin from damage, but these, along with birthdays, also make me a prime suspect for vitamin D deficiency.

What you can do:

If you want to improve your skin helath, improve your ability to heal, and increase your collagen production - ensure you are supplementing with appropriate levels of Vit D3 (I also ensure mine includes K2!).  For me, that is 5000 IU per day.  Winter.  Spring.  Summer.  And Fall.  However, your level may need to be less or more depending upon health, age, medication use, and your own measured Vit D3 levels.  Remember, many other processes in the body rely upon proper vitamin D3 levels for best functioning also.  Do this not only for healthy skin.  Do this for a healthy body.

Dr. Alison Tendler

Founder, ARTisan Skin & Laser