Why Dermatologists Want You To Use Vitamin D on Your Dry, Itchy Skin From Now Through April
Our bodies thrive off of vitamin D. Ingesting it keeps our bones strong, our hearts healthy, and our moods regulated. And according to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, applying it topically can make a major difference in your skin. This is especially true during the winter, when all of our complexions tend to be drier, itchier, and more irritated than usual.
"Vitamin D can be anti-inflammatory, which is why it can be used as a skin-care ingredient," says Dr. Garshick. "In fact, there are prescriptions that are vitamin D analogs commonly used for skin conditions such as psoriasis. It is also thought to have antioxidant benefits which can help to neutralize free-radical damage."
- Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine
A 2020 study confirmed vitamin D's anti-inflammatory benefits, which make it ideal for the dryness and itching that run rampant this time of year. "Skin is likely to be more inflamed in general during the winter months given that the skin barrier can become impaired due to less humidity in the air," Caren Campbell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California, previously told Well+Good. What's more, the same study noted that the ingredient exerts "a variety of anti-aging and (photo) protective effects on the skin" when applied topically.
There aren't many vitamin D skin-care products out there, but if you're looking to experience the ingredient's skin-soothing and protective benefits, we've rounded up a few below. Just keep in mind that rubbing vitamin D on your skin is not the same as taking a supplement. "Using vitamin D topically does not replace taking an oral supplement if one is recommended due to vitamin D deficiency," says Dr. Garshick. So make sure you continue any supplements that you're taking.
5 vitamin D skin-care products
“Containing several key vitamins including vitamins A through F, this serum helps to brighten and hydrate the skin and can be used by all skin types,” says Dr. Garshick. “It can help to improve signs of skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and improving skin tone.”
Vitamin D is the star of this moisturizer, which deeply hydrates the skin while improving its tone and suppleness. The formula also includes Gooseberry extract, which brightens the skin to leave it looking dewy and radiant.
“Rich in vitamins, this neck-firming cream also helps to hydrate, soften, and soothe the skin,” says Dr. Garshick. “It also contains hyaluronic acid and rice bran oil to both hydrate and calm irritation.”
This high-potency formula blends provitamin D3, lipids, and botanicals to brighten your complexion. It also includes vitamin E, which strengthens and balances the skin barrier, and hyaluronic acid, which has plumping, firming, and hydrating benefits.
“While not exactly vitamin D, this serum contains chronocyclin which is a type of chronopeptide that mimics the antioxidant benefits of vitamin D, while also helping to support a healthy skin barrier and leaving the skin glowing,” says Dr. Garshick. It also includes bronze pigment to give your skin an instant glow.
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