VITAMIN D & HEALTH
The Role of Vitamin D in Promoting Healthy Skin and Hair
Vitamin D is commonly known for its role in maintaining strong bones and a healthy immune system, but did you know that it also plays a crucial role in promoting healthy skin and hair? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be obtained through sun exposure, food, and supplements.1 In this article, we will explore the relationship between Vitamin D and skin and hair health, as well as discuss the benefits of maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin D for optimal health.
The role of Vitamin D in skin health
Vitamin D is essential for the maintenance of healthy skin, as it helps regulate the growth and activity of skin cells.2 Adequate Vitamin D levels have been shown to improve skin hydration, reduce signs of ageing, and protect against UV damage.3 Sun exposure is the primary source of Vitamin D for the majority of people, and moderate sun exposure has been shown to help improve the overall appearance and health of the skin.
One of the ways Vitamin D contributes to skin health is by regulating the production of sebum, a natural oil that helps keep the skin moisturised and protects against harmful bacteria.3 Vitamin D also helps to reduce inflammation in the skin, which is important in preventing skin conditions such as acne, ichthyosis, and psoriasis.4 Additionally, Vitamin D has been shown to help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a more youthful and radiant appearance.5
The role of Vitamin D in hair health
Vitamin D also plays a significant role in maintaining healthy hair. Adequate Vitamin D levels help to promote hair growth, strengthen hair follicles, and improve overall hair quality. Vitamin D works by stimulating the production of new hair follicles, which helps to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.6 Additionally, Vitamin D helps to regulate the production of sebum, which helps to keep the scalp moisturised and healthy.3,7
Vitamin D also helps to regulate the production of keratin, a protein that makes up the structure of hair and helps to keep it strong and healthy.8
Benefits of maintaining adequate Vitamin D levels for skin and hair health
To summarise, maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin D is important for both skin and hair health, as it helps to regulate the growth and activity of skin and hair cells, as well as helps to reduce inflammation and protect against damage. In addition to these benefits, adequate Vitamin D levels have also been shown to:
- Improve skin hydration and elasticity
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Promote hair growth and improve hair quality
- Reduce the risk of scalp conditions such as dandruff and itching
- Strengthen hair follicles and reduce the risk of hair loss
Conclusion
If you are concerned about your Vitamin D levels, it is important to speak with your doctor and have your levels tested, as Vitamin D deficiencies can have serious consequences for both skin and hair health. By maintaining adequate Vitamin D levels, you can promote healthy skin and hair and enjoy all the benefits that come along with optimal health.
With all that being said, there are many factors that affect the amount of Vitamin D an individual needs. Besides sunlight and food, supplements are a great source of Vitamin D, especially for people with Vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency.
If you’re looking for a professional doctor in Singapore, locate some of our partner clinics here. Alternatively, you can contact us with regards to any questions you may have about Vitamin D!
References
1) National Health Service. Vitamin D – Vitamins and Minerals. NHS. 3 August 2020.
Available at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d. Accessed 6 March 2023.
2) Umar M., et al. Vitamin D and the Pathophysiology of Inflammatory Skin Diseases. 06 January 2018. Available at:
https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/485132. Accessed 13 January 2023.
3) Mostafa, W. Z., and Hegazy, R. A., 2014, Vitamin D and the skin: Focus on a complex relationship: A review, at PubMed Central (PMC) Available at:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4642156/. Accessed 6 March 2023.
4) Samanta, Saptadip. Vitamin D and immunomodulation in the skin: a useful affirmative nexus | Explor Immunol. 30 June 2021. Available at:
https://www.explorationpub.com/uploads/Article/A10039/10039.pdf. Accessed 13 February 2023.
5) Bocheva, G., Slominski, R. M., and Slominski, A. T., 2021, The Impact of Vitamin D on Skin Aging, at PubMed Central (PMC) Available at:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8396468/. Accessed 6 March 2023.
6) Luo, Elaine K., et al. “Vitamin D deficiency hair loss: Symptoms and treatment.” 30 April 2018. Available at:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321673. Accessed 13 February 2023.
7) Scalp Buildup: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention. Healthline. 11 September 2019. Available at:
https://www.healthline.com/health/scalp-build-up. Accessed 6 March 2023.
8) Kashyap, Neha. “Vitamin D Deficiency and Hair Loss: Everything You Need to Know.” 18 November 2020. Available at:
https://www.webmd.com/connect-to-care/hair-loss/vitamin-d-deficiency-and-hair-loss. Accessed 13 February 2023.
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