Is Your Acne Due to Vitamin D?

Do you want to know, can vitamin D cause acne? Let’s dive in to see how this could affect your beautiful skin and what you can do about it.

As usual, this post is based on the strongest nutritional evidence I could find with a focus on the simplest, most delicious foods

…because who has time to waste on actions that don’t work?

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D, is a fat-soluble vitamin also known as the sunshine vitamin, and is essential for health. 

It’s found in vitamin D-rich foods like mushrooms, fortified plant-based milks, and some dairy products. You can also get it from vitamin D supplements. 

Vitamin D in Skin Health

Vitamin D helps reduce inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It also supports your skin indirectly by helping the immune system and can boost mood and well-being. 

However, getting enough vitamin D is crucial, as low vitamin D levels might worsen skin conditions.

Can Vitamin D Cause Acne?

Exploring the link between vitamin D and acne is a bit like detective work. 

There’s evidence suggesting a connection, but it’s not straightforward. Let’s dive into what the studies say.

Hand in Hand: Low Vitamin D and Acne

It looks like vitamin D itself doesn’t cause acne, but not having enough of it might be a problem. 

Several studies have shown that people with acne tend to have lower vitamin D levels compared to those with clear skin (1, 2).

For instance, one study found that 90.5% of people with moderate to severe acne had low vitamin D levels, compared to only 43.33% of healthy folks without acne (3).

A review of multiple studies (so pretty reliable) confirmed that lower vitamin D levels are often seen in more severe cases of acne (4).

Some researchers also found that higher vitamin D levels seemed to help reduce acne severity, suggesting it might play a role in managing acne (1). Supplementation could be beneficial for those with a deficiency (5).

However, other studies found that the amount of deficiency didn’t always match up with how severe the acne was (2, 6). So, while low vitamin D levels are common in people with acne, it doesn’t mean that fixing the deficiency will always clear up the acne-prone skin completely.

Is Too Much Vitamin D a Problem?

Getting enough vitamin D is crucial, but too much vitamin d can be a bad thing. High doses can mess with your body’s balance, which might trigger or worsen acne for some people. 

It’s important to monitor how much you’re taking and watch for any skin changes. Some research suggests that vitamin D supplements can help acne patients (5), but it’s essential to avoid taking too much and keep a balanced approach.

Studies often include a control group to compare results, ensuring that the findings are reliable. 

For acne patients, it’s important to consider dietary supplements as part of the treatment of acne, but always consult with a healthcare professional to avoid over-supplementation and related issues.

You may also like:
The Ugly Truth About Vitamin C Supplements and Your Acne

How to Balance Your Vitamin D Intake

To keep your skin healthy, it’s important to balance your vitamin D levels. 

Safe sun exposure, eating vitamin D-rich foods like mushrooms and fortified plant-based milks, and taking the right supplements when you actually need them can help. 

Avoid high doses and consult with a doctor to find the best approach for you.

How to Tell if You Are Deficient in Vitamin D

Knowing if you’re vitamin D deficient can be crucial for maintaining healthy skin.

Skin Health Indicators

Dry, flaky skin can be a sign of not getting enough vitamin D. Worsening acne or slow healing of acne scars might also indicate a lack of vitamin D.

Other Symptoms

Signs of vitamin D deficiency include fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness, and mood changes. If you notice these symptoms, it might be a sign of low vitamin D levels.

That said, I have been deficient in vitamin D before, and it just snuck up on me. Sooo…

Get Tested

The best way to determine your vitamin D status is through a blood test. Your doctor can check your levels and recommend the right vitamin D supplements if needed.

By recognising these signs, you can take steps to correct any deficiency and support your skin’s health.

Getting the Right Amount

It’s important to balance your vitamin D intake for healthy skin.

Sun Exposure

Safe, limited sun exposure is a natural way to get vitamin D. Just a few minutes a day can help maintain vitamin D status without risking your skin.

Food Sources

Incorporate vitamin D-rich foods into your diet. Mushrooms, fortified plant-based milks, and some dairy products are excellent sources. These foods help you get enough vitamin D without needing excessive supplements.

Oral Supplements

Vitamin D supplements can help if your levels are low. Consult a doctor to determine the correct dose. Avoid high doses to prevent potential skin issues.

Managing Acne While Taking Vitamin D

Monitoring your skin is key when taking vitamin d supplementation. But also be mindful if you are taking other supplements at the same time. It might be those which are contributing to your acne instead. 

Stress and Lifestyle

Diet and lifestyle play an important role in managing acne. 

Psychological stress can increase hormone levels, affecting sebaceous glands and oil production. Managing stress through relaxation techniques can help keep your skin clear.

Balancing these factors can help you manage your vitamin D intake while keeping your skin healthy and acne-free.

Importance of a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial. Along with vitamin D, ensure you’re getting enough vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, and vitamin B. These nutrients work together to support skin health and reduce acne.

Hydration and Sleep

Staying hydrated and getting enough sleep are essential for clear skin. Proper hydration helps flush out toxins, while good sleep supports skin repair and rejuvenation.

Can Vitamin D Cause Acne?

So, can vitamin D cause acne? It’s possible for some that a deficiency contributes to acne development, but balance and monitoring are key. Keeping a balanced diet and lifestyle helps maintain beautiful skin. Remember, getting the right amount of vitamin D and managing other factors will support your goal of clear and healthy skin.

References

Most references below will link to the original peer-reviewed study itself. However, sometimes I will link to a video over at NutritionFacts.org instead, which is by far the single best resource of brutally transparent nutritional evidence you will ever see. Dr Greger tells a great story about the realities of the science and if I think you will benefit more from one of his videos, the link will take you there instead.

Happy nerding!

1. El-Hamd MA, El Taieb MA, Ibrahim HM, Aly SS. Vitamin D levels in acne vulgaris patients treated with oral isotretinoin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(1):16-20. doi:10.1111/jocd.12503
2. Alhetheli G, Elneam AIA, Alsenaid A, Al-Dhubaibi M. Vitamin D Levels in Patients with and without Acne and Its Relation to Acne Severity: A Case-Control Study [published correction appears in Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020 Nov 02;13:815. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S287756]. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:759-765. Published 2020 Oct 7. doi:10.2147/CCID.S271500
3. Shrestha S, Agrawal S, Lamsal M. Vitamin D level in patients with moderate-to-severe acne: A case-control study combined with prospective study following oral isotretinoin treatment. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022;21(10):5127-5133. doi:10.1111/jocd.14996
4. Rasti SD, Dewinta NR, Kamal RH, Adissadah AF, Madanny AE, Dewanti L. Correlation between Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Levels and the Severity of Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review. Indian J Dermatol. 2022;67(1):31-36. doi:10.4103/ijd.ijd_871_21
5. Wang M, Zhou Y, Yan Y. Vitamin D status and efficacy of vitamin D supplementation in acne patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20(12):3802-3807. doi:10.1111/jocd.14057
6. Iqbal T, Asim SA, Bhatti S, Sajid M, Mirza R, Huma Z. Association of Vitamin D with Moderate to Severe Acne Vulgaris. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2023;33(5):527-530. doi:10.29271/jcpsp.2023.05.527