Vitamin D
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Sunscreens, moisturizers, serums
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF VITAMIN D?
Vitamin D helps in epidermal barrier formation, including the functions of adnexal structures, through retention of moisture in the upper epidermis. It exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects through interaction with reactive oxygen species. The photoprotective effects of vitamin D result in prevention of ultraviolet radiation-induced DNA damage by increased expression of tumor suppressor proteins and attenuation of UV-induced immunosuppression.
WHAT IS VITAMIN D?
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) is a group of cholesterol-derived vitamins produced endogenously and exogenously, related to ultraviolet radiation. Its active form is involved in calcium homeostasis and, through interaction with intracellular receptors, cell proliferation and transcriptional regulation.
IS VITAMIN D SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Yes, vitamin D is likely safe for all skin types and tones based on available evidence.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Topical vitamin D is likely safe without major contraindications, though caution should be used since it is contraindicated systemically in patients with allergic reactions to it or patients with underlying hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism or sarcoidosis, or in patients who are pregnant.
Sources:
Bocheva G, Slominski RM, Slominski AT. The Impact of Vitamin D on Skin Aging. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(16):9097.
Kockott D, Herzog B, Reichrath J, Keane K, Holick MF. New Approach to Develop Optimized Sunscreens that Enable Cutaneous Vitamin D Formation with Minimal Erythema Risk. PLoS One. 2016;11(1):e0145509.
Passeron T, Bouillon R, Callender V, et al. Sunscreen photoprotection and vitamin D status. Br J Dermatol. 2019;181(5):916-931.
Slominski AT, Chaiprasongsuk A, Janjetovic Z, et al. Photoprotective Properties of Vitamin D and Lumisterol Hydroxyderivatives. Cell Biochem Biophys. 2020;78(2):165-180.
