New research findings redefine the role of Vitamin D to not only our physical health but as a tool in the prevention of mood disorders and inflammatory skin conditions. Recent research found 83% of Americans had limited knowledge of Vitamin D and less than 1% knew it was made in the skin or that there were additional sources complementing oral supplements available through certain foods or topical application.

What Is Vitamin D?

Originally identified as a vitamin due to its role in increasing the absorption of calcium in the bones, research now shows that most body tissue contains proteins that bind to Vitamin D to support healthy organ function from the brain to the heart to the prostate, blood vessels, and endocrine system. The key to this healthy function is having enough D in the body. With changing lifestyles, indoor technology and more people being born with darker pigment slowing down sun absorption, most people can no longer make Vitamin D the way our ancestors did.

How the Body Makes Vitamin D

The skin uses Vitamin D to make Vitamin D when in sunlight.

Harvard Health Education,Special Health Report, 2022.

Vitamin D Levels And Mental Well-Being

Research studies in 2017 and 2020 found lower Vitamin D levels were associated with anxiety, depression and cognitive decline. Reaching sufficient levels of Vitamin D with its antioxidant properties and positive impact on brain tissue are important for prevention of mood disorders. These studies also suggested daily lifestyle changes to encourage more exposure to sunlight elevating levels of Vitamin D naturally, and introducing more Vitamin D-rich foods into a diet could help.

Vitamin D and Skin Health

Vitamin D deficiency is linked to poor immune function, elevated levels of inflammation, and decreased insulin sensitivity which can all impact skin health. Elevating Vitamin D levels can have key benefits for skin health by:

• Calming skin when used topically in treatment of eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo and other inflammatory conditions;
• improving cell turnover and reducing dead skin build up;
• decreasing environmental damage with its high antioxidant value; and
• protecting against skin cancer with its steroidal ability to regulate cell function. 

How to get best results when using topical D3+ Serum

Jennifer Hermann MD, a board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in Southern California, shared in a recent interview with Byrdie, “combining topical vitamin D with other antioxidants, growth factors or retinoids can create a ‘super’ product” working on multiple skin concerns.

Our skin professionals recommend the following Skin Authority pairings for common conditions:

• D3+ Serum and Vitamin A Retinol Renewal for breakouts.
• D3+ Serum and Calming Mask for eczema, rosacea and psoriasis.
• D3+ Serum and Complete Serum to address photoaging and increase firmness.
• D3+ Serum and Super-C Serum to address hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone.

To learn more about Vitamin D products, treatments, articles, and technology from Skin Authority, CLICK HERE.