With more and more research showing that most Americans are deficient in vitamin D, you might be thinking what’s the big deal? Does vitamin D deficiency really affect your health and appearance?
The answer is a resounding “yes!” Not getting enough vitamin D can impact you in several ways, especially when it comes to your skin.
Vitamin D is responsible for bone health and calcium homeostasis. It means this fat-soluble vitamin increases the efficiency of phosphorus and calcium absorption from the small intestine. Whether you get vitamin D from foods, sun exposure, or supplements, doesn’t matter – just make sure your body is getting enough of it.
Maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D have shown to promote healthy bone growth, prevent skin aging, and potentially reduce the risk of certain cancers. In fact, a lack of vitamin D is known to cause depression and mood disorders.
How Vitamin D Deficiency Impacts Your Skin
Your skin is your body’s largest organ. But still, many people don’t realize that skin is much more closely linked to their overall health.
And then there are some women who completely avoid getting out in the sun because too much exposure is known to damage the skin.
Here’s the thing: the sun is an extremely important source of vitamin D, especially if your diet is not rich in foods that contain it naturally. The key to remember is you don’t need to spend hours in the sun or get visibly sun-kissed to get a healthy amount of vitamin D.
And speaking of how a lack of this vitamin affects your skin, let us break it down for you:
Lack of Vitamin D Can Accelerate Premature Aging in Skin
Research shows that healthy levels of vitamin D can prevent your skin from aging prematurely. A study conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that vitamin D, specifically Calcitriol, helps in the growth and repair of skin cells, slowing down the aging.
But as we mentioned earlier, the key is to not overdo it. Too much sun is not good for you or your skin. So, if you are not sure how much sunlight is good for you or you don’t want to get your Vitamin D from the sun, you can consult skin care or skin treatment doctor and go on a supplement and diet that’s rich in Vitamin D.
Low Vitamin D Levels Can Cause Psoriasis and Dry Skin
Research also shows that people with psoriasis may have a higher likelihood of Vitamin D deficiency. Many dermatologists also recommend that if you have eczema, psoriasis, or extremely dry skin, you should definitely be taking Vitamin D.
However, when it comes to these skin issues, topical Vitamin D skin treatments and creams, and sunlight are more effective than oral supplements. Talk with a skin expert to know the best way to consume Vitamin D for your skin care issues.
Get a Skin Care Consultation to See If Your Skin Issues are Being Caused by a Vitamin D Deficiency
At DermaClinic in Coral Gables, we offer comprehensive consultations to determine the root cause of your skin issues and how to treat them effectively.
If you have dry, itchy skin or your face is showing fine lines when you’re only in your 20s or 30s, it might be due to a vitamin D deficiency. Schedule an appointment with us by calling 786-210-4234 today and let our award-winning skin specialists work their magic on you!
