The 5 skin signs that mean you're lacking Vitamin D

This time of year it can get particularly low

We're always being told we need to up our Vitamin D intake and this time of year always puts an extra strain on the amount we are getting into our bodies.

The grey weather and darker nights paired with busy schedules, festive events and a number of boozy parties usually means a lack of vital nutrients and Vitamin D in particular is imperative for ensuring our overall health and wellbeing is maintained; but it’s also needed for healthy, glowing skin *sits up and listens*.


1. Dull complexion


2. Breakouts

“Vitamin D can reduce inflammation on your skin, which therefore means fighting against skin condition such as acne and rosacea. Due to its action on your blood insulin response, your acne breakouts could be vastly improved too, this lowering of inflammation will also help with your general skin health too.”

3. Fine lines

“Vitamin D acts as an antioxidant, meaning that its able to help against fine lines and wrinkles. This vitamin helps your body to fight off free-radicals which are thought to cause lines on our skin and the general deterioration that comes with age. A lack of vital vitamin D sources could mean our wrinkles become appear much deeper and more visible, a lack of vitamin D may also may mean that we develop new wrinkles at a much quicker rate.”

4. Dry skin

“One tell-tale skin sign of a vitamin D deficiency is dry, itchy skin on the face, which may occur all over or on areas such as cheeks, chin and forehead. In some severe cases, those with a deficiency may also develop eczema, this is thought to be caused by an immune system dysfunction. Studies have shown that vitamin D can be effective in its treatment whether the vitamin comes from direct sunlight, supplement or a topical skin application."

5. Sweating

“A deficiency in vitamin D can cause your skin to sweat and is considered to be one of the first signs of a problem. You will sweat all over your body, including your face which can cause your skin to become dry and irritated, as well as increasing your chances of breakouts - so upping your vitamin D could help.”

How can you up your daily intake?

“The quickest way to up your intake is to take daily Vitamin D supplements. You can also try and find a Vitamin D serum oil for a topical skin application, this will help to give your skin direct contact with the vitamin which should help alleviate the skin conditions mentioned above.

Failing that, many women opt for sun bed use as long this is only on the odd occasion so as not to put yourself at risk of skin cancers. With the UK subject to long, cold and drawn out winters, this also puts you at a higher risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency. You may also want to look at booking a winter holiday somewhere hot, a week in the sun can do wonders for your skin, mind and overall health.”

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