The Benefits of Vitamin D for Acne (and Why You Should Test Before You Dose)

When we think of vitamin D, we commonly think of our bones…or immune health…and yes, it plays a big ROLE in those areas but it also is crucial when it comes to your skin-healing journey!

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is often called the “sun vitamin” because our skin makes it when exposed to sunlight. But between living in cloudy areas, working indoors, and sunscreen (which, yes, is important!), most of us aren’t getting enough of it. And when your vitamin D levels are low, it can show up in unexpected ways - like with acne.

How Vitamin D Supports Your Skin

When it comes to acne, vitamin D’s anti-inflammatory properties are where it shines. Acne is essentially inflammation gone wild, and vitamin D helps to calm it. It also boosts your immune system, which can help your body fight off the bacteria that sometimes contribute to acne. It also is a key player for your gut, hormone balance, and even liver function, all of which are closely tied to acne. It helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining, which prevents harmful bacteria and toxins from leaking into your bloodstream (a condition known as “leaky gut”). And when your gut lining is compromised, it can trigger inflammation throughout your skin.

And did you know that it’s not specifically a vitamin? It’s actually what’s called a prohormone, which means it plays a direct role in regulating your hormones. Hormonal imbalances, especially fluctuations in androgens, are a major driver of acne for many people. It also supports the balance of estrogen and progesterone and low levels have been linked to issues like irregular periods. And lastly, your liver is a detox powerhouse, filtering toxins and excess hormones out of your body, which is critical for clear skin. But what many people don’t realize is that your liver also plays a big role in how your body processes vitamin D. Once your skin absorbs vitamin D from the sun or supplements, it’s sent to the liver, where it’s converted into a form your body can use. If your liver isn’t functioning optimally due to things like a poor diet, alcohol, stress, or toxins in our environment - it can affect your ability to activate and utilize vitamin D. And when vitamin D can’t do its job, your hormones and gut health can suffer, setting the stage for acne. And that’s just scratching the surface of its many functions!

Test, Don’t Guess!

Something that many people don’t realize is that you shouldn’t just run out and grab the first bottle of vitamin D you see on the shelf or internet. Why? Because dosing without knowing your baseline levels can be risky. Too much vitamin D can actually cause more harm than good, leading to things like calcium deposits in your arteries and kidney stones.

That’s why I always recommend getting your levels tested first. A blood test can give you insight into where you stand, and from there, you can supplement to fit your body’s needs.

The Right Form Matters

Not all vitamin D supplements are created equal. You’ll usually see two main forms: vitamin D2 and D3. D3 is the most bioavailable (meaning it’s the easiest for your body to absorb), so that’s the one you want to supplement with. And if you really want to get the most out of it, look for a version that includes vitamin K2.

Why vitamin K2? Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is great for your bones but can be an issue if the calcium isn’t directed to the right places (like your bones and teeth). K2 steps in as a “traffic cop", making sure that calcium goes where it’s supposed to and not into your arteries.

conclusion

All in all, research continues to show a strong connection between vitamin D deficiency and acne. Multiple studies have found that individuals with acne tend to have significantly lower levels of vitamin D compared to those without and it can be an important part of many people’s acne-healing journeys. But most of all, get your levels tested first and choose the right form. It’s not a magic cure, but it’s a crucial puzzle piece in the larger picture of healing acne from the inside out!

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER - All content on this website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for advice and recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.