Vitamin D For Acne: Benefits, How To Use, And Side Effects

The benefits of using vitamin D for acne have been debated for a long time now. However, this micronutrient (that can best be obtained through sunlight) is commonly used in acne and skin care products. What does science say? If vitamin D reduces acne flare-ups, what are its best food sources? In this article, we will explain whether vitamin D helps treat acne, how to use it, and some natural ways to improve the levels of this ‘sunshine vitamin’. Keep reading.

Trivia

Vitamin D2 and D3 are the two prominent types of vitamin D. While the former is called ergocalciferol, the latter is known as cholecalciferol.

Can A Lack Of Vitamin D Cause Pimples? – A Research-Backed Perspective

If you think vitamin D deficiency is not a global concern, think again. According to research, about 1 billion people worldwide have low vitamin D levels (1).

But, what is the link between vitamin D and acne? Can a vitamin D deficiency lead to acne breakouts? Here is what research tells us:

1. Vitamin D Regulates The Immune System

Vitamin D plays a key role in regulating the immune system. Further, its deficiency can lead to various skin diseases, such as psoriasisⁱ  A chronic skin condition characterized by itchy skin, rashes, and scaly patches, mostly on the knees, scalp, elbows, and trunk. . As per a study conducted in South Korea, vitamin D deficiency is more common in people who have acne than in people who don’t (2).

2. Vitamin D Deficiency And Nodulocystic Acne

Another study conducted in Turkey concluded that there is a connection between low vitamin D levels and nodulocystic acne (3). It found that the subjects with acne had relatively lower vitamin D levels than the control group.

3. Vitamin D Taken Orally Can Help With Acne

Yet another study conducted in Egypt found that people with acne are more prone to vitamin D deficiency compared to healthy people (4). Hence, administering vitamin D can play a beneficial role in acne management with no reported side effects.

Jesse, a make-up artist and a YouTube vlogger, has tried vitamin D for managing his acne and got positive results. He says ” When I made the decision to try vitamin D3, I didn’t really expect it to do anything. So, I was shocked when two weeks later my oil production had literally, virtually stopped and my acne had all but completely cleared up and has been clear for actually about the last two years (i).”

There is sufficient evidence to suggest that a lack of vitamin D can cause acne. In other words, using vitamin D appropriately and under expert guidance can keep acne breakouts at bay.

Moving on, let us look at the benefits of using vitamin D for acne.

Top 3 Benefits Of Using Vitamin D For Acne

1. Antimicrobial Properties

Research suggests that vitamin D is power-packed with antimicrobial properties (5). Vitamin D boosts the body’s innate immunity by modulating the production of antimicrobial peptides. This plays a powerful role in managing atopic dermatitis, psoriasisⁱ  A chronic skin condition characterized by itchy skin, rashes, and scaly patches, mostly on the knees, scalp, elbows, and trunk. , vitiligoⁱ  A chronic autoimmune condition that causes pale white patches on the skin due to lack of melanin. , acne, and rosaceaⁱ  A chronic inflammatory condition that causes red and small pus-filled bumps on the skin, especially on the face. .

So if you have acne caused by bacteria, using vitamin D topically can help you manage acne and have a calming effect on your skin.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

A recent study also claims that vitamin D induces an anti-inflammatory effect on acne due to its immune-regulatory function

(6). So, taking an appropriate dose of vitamin D in the form of supplements can help tackle the inflammation issues that come along with acne, such as rash, redness, irritation, etc.

3. Antioxidant And Anti-Comedogenic Properties

Vitamin D has antioxidant and non-comedogenic properties (3). This means that it can scavenge the free radicals and unclog pores, which may help get rid of acne.

In the next section, let us look at how to use vitamin D for acne.

How To Use Vitamin D For Acne

There are numerous ways to incorporate this vitamin into your daily living:

1. Consume Foods Rich In Vitamin D

A lot has been said about the potential link between diet and acne. Recent research suggests that high-glycemic load diets may exacerbate acne (7). So, keeping a food diary and noticing any patterns in your food intake and acne flare-ups can help you tackle acne.

That said, more research needs to be done to understand the categories of foods that cause acne and how they worsen the condition.

As a precautionary measure, you can consume the following vitamin D-rich foods (8):

• Oily fish like salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel
• Red meat
• Liver
• Egg yolks
• Cheese
• Mushrooms
• Fortified foods, including fat spreads, milk, fruit juice, and breakfast cereals)

If you are thinking of consuming dairy products such as milk and cheese, exercise caution as they can make the acne symptoms worse (7).

2. Take Dietary Supplements

You can also take supplements to take care of the daily required dosage of vitamin D. As per the UK’s National Health Service, children from the age of 1 year and adults need 10 mcg of vitamin D a day (8). This includes pregnant and breastfeeding women and people at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Additionally, babies up to the age of 1 year need 8.5 to 10 mcg of vitamin D a day.

It is best to speak to your dermatologist, who can prescribe the right dosage and frequency based on the severity of your acne, your skin type, dietary and lifestyle choices, etc. Before recommending any vitamin D supplements, doctors typically suggest a blood test to check your current vitamin D levels. For most adults, the normal vitamin D level is 20 ng/mL or higher. Levels below this are considered low, while levels above 50 ng/mL may be too high (9).

Additionally, keep an eye out on the supplements you are taking, or else you might exceed the daily intake amount, leading to a vitamin D build-up in your system. Finally, remember to take vitamin D supplements along with your meal for the best results.

3. Apply Vitamin D3 Topically

You can also apply vitamin D3 topically. Research suggests that topical application of vitamin D3 can safely help in treating a vitamin D deficiency (10).

4. Get Sun Exposure

Getting enough sunlight will not treat your acne, but it will raise your vitamin D levels. However, do not step out into the sun without wearing an SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen. Otherwise, you run the risk of getting sunburn, premature signs of aging, and skin cancer.

Quick Tip

Since researchers confirm that UV radiation boosts your vitamin D levels, you can use UV lamps to fight acne (11).

You must also be careful not to take too much vitamin D. Scroll down to the next section to see the recommended daily vitamin D intake.

How Much Vitamin D Do You Need Per Day?

As per studies, the standard recommendation for most individuals is 400-800 International Units (IU) per day. But, it may vary depending on factors like age, gender, sun exposure, and certain health problems (12). The table below gives a more precise insight into the recommended dosage.

Next, let us take a look at the side effects and risk factors to keep in mind when using vitamin D in any form.

Side Effects And Risks To Keep In Mind

One of the most important things to remember when consuming vitamin D in any form is that exceeding the daily intake can have serious side effects. So if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding, the daily limit of vitamin D intake has been set to 100 mcg per day (12).

The typical side effects of vitamin D toxicity include (13):

• Confusion
• Apathy
• Recurrent vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Polyuria (urinating more than normal)
• Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
• Dehydration
• Hypercalcemia (above normal calcium level)
• Heart arrhythmiaⁱ  A condition in which the heart beats irregularly because the electrical impulses that coordinate them do not work properly.
• Tissue calcification
• Kidney stones
• Organ damage
• Bone pain
• Weakness

Finally, remember that your vitamin D levels can also decrease if you are on corticosteroidⁱ  An anti-inflammatory medicine used to reduce swelling and suppress the immune system when it accidentally attacks its own tissues. medication.

Infographic: Tips To Stay Safe Under The Sun

Vitamin D is a power-packed nutrient that plays a vital role in major bodily functions. Its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties may help in reducing acne. Getting enough sunlight can raise your vitamin D levels. However, you must keep a few tips in mind when you go out in the sun.

Check out the infographic below to know more!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can taking vitamin D cause acne?

No. In fact, a deficiency in vitamin D may cause acne, but more research needs to be done to conclusively prove this.

Can vitamin D cause skin problems?

Yes, a vitamin D deficiency can cause skin issues such as red, dry, and itchy skin. Daily intake of vitamin D under expert guidance can help you treat these kinds of skin problems.

Does vitamin D make your skin oily?

No, supplementation of vitamin D could suppress the production and secretion of sebum in patients with nodulocystic acne (3).

How long does it take for vitamin D to work on acne?

Generally, it can take up to 3 months for any acne treatment to show its results.

Learn how to reduce the appearance of acne using vitamin D. Check this video to discover simple steps to clear up your skin and get rid of acne for good.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Teo Wan LinMBBS, MRCS, FAMS (Dermatology)

     

Dr. Teo Wan Lin is a board-certified dermatologist in Singapore and the director of TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre. She has over a decade of medical experience and is a skin specialist who manages chronic skin, hair, and nail diseases.

Read full bio of Dr. Teo Wan Lin

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

Read full bio of Swathi E