Does Vitamin D Help with Acne?

Increasingly more evidence suggests a link between low vitamin D levels and a worsening of acne symptoms.

Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, is produced when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight. However, vitamin D deficiency is common and affects more than 40 percent of the U.S. population.

Discover the link between vitamin D and skin health and learn how to maintain healthy vitamin D levels to fight acne and support a clear complexion.

What is acne?

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition characterized by irritated and inflamed hair follicles, skin eruptions, painful pimples, blackheads, and pus-filled cysts. 

While acne usually develops on facial skin, it can also affect the shoulders, back, and chest.    

The development of acne is typically triggered by a combination of bacterial skin infection, excessive sebum production, and changes in sex hormone levels, explaining why acne typically develops during puberty.

Every hair follicle contains a sebaceous gland that produces oil-containing sebum to lubricate and nourish the skin. 

These sebaceous glands are sensitive to hormonal changes, which can trigger increased oil production, leading to clogged and irritated skin pores that trap oil and dirt and are prone to bacterial infections. 

Conventional acne treatment generally consists of topical vitamin A applications and antibiotic creams. However, more persistent and severe acne cases may require hormonal treatment and corticosteroid medication.

While these treatment approaches are often beneficial in the management of acne symptoms, they can have significant side effects, and many individuals affected are seeking more natural options to support healthy skin. 

Watch the video below to learn how prioritizing vitamin D levels can help clear up acne fast.  

Can vitamin D help with acne?

Vitamin D is produced in the skin in response to sun exposure. This fat-soluble vitamin plays a vital role in bone health, is essential for immune system function, and has been linked to balanced mood regulation and overall cellular integrity.

Research published in PLOS ONE found that individuals with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to develop skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, nodulocystic acne, and hormonal cystic acne, compared to those with a healthy vitamin D status. 

The authors summarize, “Deficiency in vitamin D was detected in 48.8% of patients with acne, but in only 22.5% of the healthy controls.”

Although more research is needed to investigate the link between vitamin D and acne, it’s believed that vitamin D’s immune-regulating functions, anti-inflammatory effects, and antimicrobial properties can help protect the skin from bacterial overgrowth and the development of acne.    

Three benefits of vitamin D for acne

Evidence published in the Journal of Advanced Research highlights the importance of vitamin D for optimal skin health, suggesting that this essential vitamin plays a role in wound healing, hair follicle integrity, and protecting skin cells from radiation damage. 

Here are three potential benefits of vitamin D for acne.

1. Antimicrobial properties 

Acne development is often triggered or worsened by an infection with Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). 

Although this bacterial strain is naturally found on human skin, a lack of adequate microbial defenses can lead to bacterial overgrowth, resulting in infection, inflammation, and skin eruptions.  

Vitamin D stimulates the production of antimicrobial peptides in skin cells, which help inhibit the growth and proliferation of bacteria, thereby supporting a healthy dermal microflora and potentially reducing the risk of acne.  

2. Anti-inflammatory effects

Vitamin D supports the body’s ability to regulate inflammation, which is crucial to help reduce irritation, swelling, and inflammation of infected sebaceous glands. 

“The role of vitamin D in regulating inflammation also supports healthy immune responses, helping maintain microbial balance and reducing the risk of overgrowth of acne-causing P. acnes,” explains Dr. Berg.

3. Regulates sebum production   

Excessive sebum production by hyperactive sebaceous glands can contribute to various skin diseases, including acne. 

Vitamin D has been found to directly modulate the activity of sebaceous glands, which decreases clogged pores and reduces the potential for bacterial infection linked to acne breakouts. 

The best ways to increase vitamin D

Vitamin D is produced when sunlight hits the skin, and getting regular, moderate exposure on bare skin is one of the most effective ways to support healthy levels. 

Aim for short periods of sun exposure several times per week, adjusting the duration based on your skin type and UV radiation intensity.

However, lack of adequate sunlight exposure, darker skin tone, geographical location, and prolonged use of steroid medication can impact vitamin D production and increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency. 

To support healthy levels, incorporate plenty of vitamin D-rich foods such as organ meats, egg yolks, and fatty fish. While these food sources typically contain only small amounts of vitamin D, regular intake can help maintain balanced levels. 

If you are concerned about your vitamin D status or are experiencing symptoms of deficiency, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider. A simple blood test can confirm your vitamin D status, and your doctor can recommend an appropriate treatment plan to support balanced levels.

FAQ

Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4999291/ 
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4642156/