Yes, vitamin D can penetrate the skin when exposed to sunlight.
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Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is produced in our bodies when our skin is exposed to sunlight. In answer to the question, yes, vitamin D can penetrate the skin when exposed to sunlight. However, the amount of vitamin D produced depends on a variety of factors, such as the time of day, where you live, and the color of your skin.
According to the Vitamin D Council, “When the sun hits your skin, UV rays penetrate the skin layers. When UVB rays reach a cholesterol molecule deep within the skin, it’s absorbed and starts a series of chemical reactions to create vitamin D.” This process can take as little as 15 minutes for fair-skinned people in the summer but may take up to 3 hours for those with darker skin or during the winter months.
Interestingly, our bodies have a natural mechanism to regulate the amount of vitamin D produced. Once we reach a certain amount, our bodies stop producing more, preventing vitamin D toxicity. This mechanism also means that it is difficult to get too much vitamin D from sunlight alone.
While sunlight is the most common natural source of vitamin D, it can also be found in food and supplements. According to the National Institutes of Health, foods high in vitamin D include fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products.
As with any nutrient, it is important to maintain a healthy balance of vitamin D in our bodies. As Michael Holick, a vitamin D researcher, states, “It’s easy to get enough vitamin D from the sun, but it’s also easy to get too much if you’re not careful.”
In summary, while the short answer is that vitamin D can penetrate the skin when exposed to sunlight, the amount produced varies based on several factors and it is important to maintain a healthy balance of vitamin D.
Table:
| Factor | Effect on vitamin D production |
|---|---|
| Time of day | More produced midday |
| Geographic location | Increased production near the equator |
| Skin color | Darker skin requires longer exposure |
| Sunscreen | Blocks vitamin D production |
Video related “Can vitamin D penetrate skin?”
Dr. Berg explains in this video how your skin type can impact your vitamin D levels as the melanin in your skin acts as a filter to block harmful UV rays from penetrating the skin and causing skin cancer, but it can also hinder vitamin D production from sunlight. Individuals with darker skin need three to five times more vitamin D than those with lighter skin to maintain healthy levels. Dr. Berg recommends a home kit to measure vitamin D levels and alerts that liver or kidney damage can affect vitamin D conversion and lead to deficiency even if tests show normal levels.
Other approaches of answering your query
In Vitro Skin Penetration Study 4 shows, both formulations with enhancers delivered more vitamin D3 into both the stratum corneum and epidermis than the control over the first 24 h of the experiment.
Yes, the skin is responsible for producing vitamin D. During exposure to sunlight, ultraviolet radiation penetrates into the epidermis and photolyzes provitamin D3 to previtamin D3. Previtamin D3 can either isomerize to vitamin D3 or be photolyzed to lymisterol and tachysterol. The amount of vitamin D your skin makes depends on many factors, including the time of day, season, latitude and your skin pigmentation.
The skin is responsible for producing vitamin D. During exposure to sunlight, ultraviolet radiation penetrates into the epidermis and photolyzes provitamin D3 to previtamin D3. Previtamin D3 can either isomerize to vitamin D3 or be photolyzed to lymisterol and tachysterol.
Your body also makes vitamin D when direct sunlight converts a chemical in your skin into an active form of the vitamin (calciferol). The amount of vitamin D your skin makes depends on many factors, including the time of day, season, latitude and your skin pigmentation.
In recent years, the growing interest in the role played by vitamin D in skin disease has given rise to the publication of many studies of the relationship between this vitamin and certain skin conditions. As dermatologists, we need to understand, among other aspects, how vitamin D is synthesized an …
Except for its very high lipophilicity, vitamin D 3 is an excellent candidate for transdermal delivery. Upon application on the skin, almost any chemical compound—and especially small molecules—will diffuse to some extent in the skin and through the skin.
This study shows that topical vitamin D supplements may be a reliable alternative for those with certain skin disorders, or for individuals who struggle with oral supplements or prefer to avoid them. Could Topical Vitamin D Benefit Other Skin Disorders?
Zeichner says topical vitamin D is generally safe to use daily, but like any skincare product, Dhingra says it could cause irritation, depending on how it’s created. Herrmann warns that many of these products are oil-based, which could be too heavy in acne-prone skin and cause pore-clogging .
Although the skin is a mostly safe barrier against substances from the outside, is fat-soluble substances like the Vitamin D3 – then they can penetrate relatively well into the skin and the underlying blood vessels.
Interesting facts about the subject
More interesting questions on the topic
Can I absorb vitamin D through my skin?
Answer to this: In conclusion the results of our study dictate us to state that topical route of vitamin D is possible, efficacious and safe.
Similar
How much vitamin D can your skin absorb? Answer will be: Getting too much sun causes your body to absorb an enormous amount of vitamin D. Holick reports that a sunburn that causes skin to become slightly pink is equivalent to taking in about 20,000 international units, or 500 micrograms, of vitamin D.
Can the body absorb vitamin D through clothes?
The answer is: What About If I’m Wearing Clothes? A common misconception is that you can get vitamin D from the sun through clothing. This is not true, as the only way to trigger the chemical reaction that results in vitamin D production is for sunlight to reach your skin directly.
Do you need bare skin to absorb vitamin D?
You also do not need to bare your entire body; simply baring your arms exposes enough skin for your body to create the necessary amount of vitamin D.
Additionally, Does vitamin D affect skin health?
Answer to this: In recent years, the growing interest in the role played by vitamin D in skin disease has given rise to the publication of many studies of the relationship between this vitamin and certain skin conditions. As dermatologists, we need to understand, among other aspects, how vitamin D is synthesized an …
Is vitamin D 3 transdermal?
In reply to that: Except for its very high lipophilicity, vitamin D 3 is an excellent candidate for transdermal delivery. Upon application on the skin, almost any chemical compound—and especially small molecules—will diffuse to some extent in the skin and through the skin.
Is topical vitamin D a good alternative to oral vitamin D?
Response: This study shows that topical vitamin D supplements may be a reliable alternative for those with certain skin disorders, or for individuals who struggle with oral supplements or prefer to avoid them. Could Topical Vitamin D Benefit Other Skin Disorders?
Accordingly, Is vitamin D safe to use daily?
Zeichner says topical vitamin D is generally safe to use daily, but like any skincare product, Dhingra says it could cause irritation, depending on how it’s created. Herrmann warns that many of these products are oil-based, which could be too heavy in acne-prone skin and cause pore-clogging .
Similarly one may ask, Does vitamin D affect skin health? In recent years, the growing interest in the role played by vitamin D in skin disease has given rise to the publication of many studies of the relationship between this vitamin and certain skin conditions. As dermatologists, we need to understand, among other aspects, how vitamin D is synthesized an …
Beside this, Can vitamin D3 be absorbed through the skin? The penetration of vitamin D3 is challenging; however, by means of reducing hydrophobicity of the active and encapsulating vitamin D3 in a suitable carrier system, penetration is achieved. The results show that penetration of vitamin D3 through skin is feasible. Further clinical trials could strengthen these results.
Also, Is vitamin D 3 transdermal? Except for its very high lipophilicity, vitamin D 3 is an excellent candidate for transdermal delivery. Upon application on the skin, almost any chemical compound—and especially small molecules—will diffuse to some extent in the skin and through the skin.
Also Know, What are the benefits of vitamin D?
Keep reading for the ultimate guide to vitamin D. Main benefits: Calms inflammation, protects the skin, and improves cell turnover. Who should use it: Someone who is deficient should take a vitamin D supplement. Those looking to fight inflammatory skin diseases can consider a prescription topical.