Is Dry Skin A Sign Of Vitamin D Deficiency? Know How It Can Affect Your Skin

Vitamin D deficiency symptoms can be visible on your skin

Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin is known for maintaining the health of your bones and teeth. This vitamin helps in absorption of calcium you get from your diet. It offers several other benefits like supporting immunity, the health of nervous system, diabetes management, better lung and cardiovascular health and much more. Owing to limited exposure to the sun, deficiency of Vitamin D is quite common. Dry skin is a common skin condition, which can also be a result of Vitamin D deficiency. Keep reading to know the link between vitamin d deficiency and skin health.

Vitamin D deficiency and dry skin: What is the relation?

According to Dr. Nandini Barua, "One of the most prominent signs of Vitamin D deficiency is witnessing severe dryness of the skin. Medically, it is called Ichthyosis. This disorder is caused by an alteration in genes that are supposed to function as skin barriers. That's why Vitamin D is very important because it triggers the receptors which are responsible for promoting the formation of the skin barrier, which is vital for defending the skin."

Vitamin D deficiency can affect your skin in several ways
Photo Credit: iStock

Vitamin D has a strong relation with your skin. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help prevent acne. Dr. Barua also explains, "Vitamin D also acts as an antioxidant, which helps in combating the factors that cause wrinkles and fine lines. So, if you have a vitamin D deficiency, you will develop fine lines quickly. Besides skin symptoms, Vitamin D3 deficiency also causes severe hair fall and nail brittleness."

Also read: These Are The Signs Of Vitamin D Deficiency Visible On Your Skin; Know Symptoms And Food Sources

Vitamin D sources

Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D but you should avoid too much exposure to sunlight. Some foods are also rich in vitamin D including red meat, egg yolks, fatty fish, fortified foods like breakfast cereals, orange juice, oatmeal, soy milk, cow milk and mushrooms.

Several foods are loaded with vitamin D
Photo Credit: iStock

Also read: Signs And Symptoms Of Vitamin D Deficiency; Best Sources Of Vitamin D Other Than Sunlight

(Dr. Nandini Barua, Dermatologist, Paras Hospital, Gurugram)

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.