Vitamin D and skin health: Could deficiency be causing breakouts, dryness, and dullness?

Skincare involves the application of creams, serums and skin based treatments. But what if somebody tells you that the real cause of your breakouts, skin dryness and dullness is attributed to internal factors? One overlooked factor whose deficiency is linked with skin changes is vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin. This vitamin is responsible for strong bones and teeth, but it also has a part to play for skin health and it can’t be ignored.
Vitamin D plays the role of hormone in your body and helps in cellular growth, repair and metabolism. Skin cells contain vitamin D receptors which means that they listen to signals. When the body has adequate levels of vitamin D, the body's immune system is well functioning, it has lower inflammation and also a strong defense barrier. This makes the skin healthy and more resistant to infection.

Low Vitamin D can manifest in several subtle, and some not-so-subtle ways:
Breakouts & acne flare-ups - Vitamin D helps regulate your skin’s immune response and reduce inflammation. When levels drop, bacteria and excess sebum can trigger more frequent or stubborn breakouts.
Dryness & flaky skin - This vitamin is involved in the production of proteins and lipids that keep your skin barrier intact. Without enough, moisture escapes more easily, leading to chronic dryness and irritation.
Dull skin tone - Vitamin D assists in improving cellular turnover and its deficiency is linked with shedding of old skin cells and its replacement with fresh ones.
Delayed healing of wounds - If the body has low levels of vitamin D, acne scars and small cuts take longer time to heal.

Even in the countries which have sunlight, deficiency of vitamin D is still prevalent. And the reasons for the same include -
Indoor lifestyle – When due to work or habits, there is minimum exposure to sun.
Sunscreen use – While vital for skin protection, it can reduce Vitamin D synthesis.
Darker skin tones – Higher melanin levels naturally reduce Vitamin D production from sunlight.
Diet gaps – Few foods naturally contain Vitamin D.

At least 10-20 minutes of exposure to sunlight during midday is important for a few days a week.
Include more vitamin D rich foods in your diet such as fatty fishes namely salmon, mackerel, sardines etc., egg yolk, milk fortified with vitamin D and mushrooms.
If the levels show deficiency, consult a physician and take vitamin D3 supplements.
If your skin shows frequent breakouts, dryness or feels dull despite following a good skincare regime, it's time that you think beyond the products’ application now. Just a simple blood test can help you reveal vitamin D deficiency and when it gets corrected, you might get back the glow and healthy skin that you deserve.

Dr. Neha Khuraana, MD, a Board-certified Dermatologist and founder of House of Aesthetics, Delhi