Your Skin Needs Vitamin D

One of the major causes of the winter blues is not getting enough vitamin D. This essential vitamin is often referred to as the sunshine vitamin, and it is so much less plentiful this time of the year. It not only helps your skin maintain its youthful shine, but also helps to support your immune system and combat seemingly unrelated conditions such as anxiety and depression.

The benefits of vitamin D

In addition to mitigating a wide variety of bone-related diseases, diabetes, infectious diseases and depression, vitamin D has been shown to decrease inflammation, acne, psoriasis, rosacea, eczema, and other skin conditions. Since sunlight is a catalyst for producing vitamin D in your skin layers, it is recommended that you get at least thirty minutes of exposure several times a week to maintain sufficient levels.

Risk factors for not having enough vitamin D include the following:

  • Living in northern environments
  • Spending most of your days indoors
  • Covering your skin
  • Having a darker skin tone makes it more difficult to synthesize vitamin D
  • Your skin slowly loses its ability to create vitamin D as you get older

How to increase your blood levels of vitamin D

Getting a boost in your vitamin D levels through your diet is an excellent way to go. Some foods that are high in vitamin D include mushrooms, milk, yogurt, and cereals. In northern latitudes that have insufficient sunlight in the winter months, vitamin D supplements are suggested.

Vitamin D deficiency is only one of many problems that may be causing skin problems in the winter months, so seeing a dermatologist is essential for proper care. Dr. Juan Vaillant of Old Bridge Dermatology has been treating patients for hair, skin, and nail problems for over 30 years, and has the extensive background needed to help address a variety of dermatological issues. Dr. Vaillant has successfully treated acne, eczema, dandruff, hair loss, psoriasis, and nail fungus. If you are looking for an amiable, highly skilled dermatologist, call our office in Old Bridge, NJ at (732) 679-0222 and make an appointment.