Known as the “Sunshine Vitamin,” there are so many beauty benefits of vitamin D that can beautify your skin, hair and body!
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is actually not a vitamin, it is a HORMONE!
The term vitamin D is used to collectively refer to a group of fat soluble steroids that are produced in the skin, when it comes into contact with sun light.
Vitamin D is very important for many functions in the body. Among its functions include:
- Supporting cardiovascular health and regulating blood pressure
- Important in the absorption of certain nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus
- Plays a part in regulating insulin and blood sugar levels
- Supports the immune system
What are the Sources of Vitamin D?
Unlike other vitamins, vitamin D is not naturally found in food. Our body is able to synthesize vitamin D by processing sunlight when it hits the skin.
On average, we need about 10 – 15 minutes of sunlight exposure everyday.
For those who do not receive adequate sun exposure, vitamin D deficiency is often a result. Vitamin D deficiency can cause many problems such as fatigue, joint pain, weakened bones, muscle cramping and other problems.
In cases of vitamin D deficiency or in cases for those who do not have adequate sun exposure where they live, vitamin D can be obtained from foods fortified with vitamin D such as milk, orange juice and cereals and cheese. Other natural sources of vitamin D include sea food such as salmon and tuna.
Your best bet for treating vitamin D deficiency is through the use of high dose vitamin D supplementation. A dosage of 10,000IU is needed to correct vitamin D, while a dosage of 1000IU is enough for maintaining healthy vitamin D levels.
Where to Get Vitamin D
Try to enjoy the mild morning sun because this is the commonest source of vitamin D. You can also eat vitamin D rich foods such as fish oil, eggs, organic meats, etc.
Other sources of vitamin D include:
- Dr. Mercola’s Sunshine Mist Vitamin D Spray
- Vitamin D3 Softgel Supplements
- Natural Flavored Vitamin D3 Gummy Bears for Children
10 Beauty Benefits of Vitamin D
1. Promotes Beautiful Skin
The skin is the largest organ. The state of the skin is often a good indicator of the health of the body. Vitamin D is very vital for the proper functioning of the skin. It also helps prevent skin cancer.
2. Treats Acne
If you are suffering from persistent acne, supplementing with vitamin D can do wonders for your skin. Many of those battling with severe acne actually find a significant reduction in acne when supplementing with vitamin D.
3. Promotes Hair Growth
Vitamin D receptors found in hair follicles play a vital role in the growth and resting cycles of the hair. Vitamin D signals to the keratinocytes found in the follicles to stimulate the growth of hair.
4. Prevents Hair Loss
One of the signs of vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is actually hair loss. Healthy hair follicles have a good supply of vitamin that allows them to function properly. Vitamin D is often lacking in damaged hair follicles and this leads to hair loss.
5. Helps in Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Lack of vitamin D can lead to weight gain and difficulty in losing weight. Insufficient vitamin D in the blood makes the body convert calories to fat at a rapid rate. Vitamin D is also needed for the absorption of nutrients such as calcium, which aid in weight loss.
6. Heals Psoriasis
Stress is a known aggravator for psoriasis and vitamin D is an important regulator of stress. Vitamin D can help reduce inflammation, redness and swelling in psoriasis. Supplementing with vitamin D can help prevent psoriasis flare-ups.
7. Reduces the Appearance of Stretch Marks
Vitamin D is helps in the overall function of skin and helps prevent stretch marks by increasing the elasticity of the skin. It helps in the proper formation of skin to help reduce the occurrence of stretch marks, scars and dark spots.
8. Prevents Premature Aging of Skin
Premature aging is when the skin starts developing wrinkles, fine lines, skin tags and age spots at a young age. It often occurs as a result of free radical damage on the skin. Vitamin D acts as an antioxidant to combat oxidative stress and free radical damage on the skin.
9. Treats Eczema
Eczema is characterized by rough inflamed patches of skin that can form blisters that can cause itching and bleeding. Vitamin D can help treat conditions such as eczema. It can help greatly reduce the symptoms of eczema such as dryness, itchiness, inflammation and pain.
10. Relieves Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic, relapsing condition characterized by redness and pimples mostly on the facial region. Vitamin D reduces swelling and redness of skin. It can help treat and manage rosacea.
Caution When Taking Vitamin D
- If you suspect you have vitamin D deficiency, consult a doctor before self-diagnosing yourself. The doctor will confirm your vitamin D levels through a blood test.
- Overdoes of vitamin D is very fatal, toxic and can lead to death. Please be careful when taking vitamin D. The daily recommended dose is 5000IU.
- Taking vitamin D over 10,000IU daily when you don’t have a deficiency can be toxic. Taking over 40,000IU daily can lead to vitamin D poisoning.
- Always consult your doctor for a proper plan of treatment.
