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Vitamin D plays a major role in the health of our skin, as any dermatologist will tell you. As the primary source of vitamin D is sunlight, it can be difficult to make sure that we are getting enough of it. Our bodies naturally produce the vitamin when we are exposed to UVB rays from the sun. However, many of us apply sunscreen when we go outside, which can drastically reduce the amount of vitamin D we are able to absorb. That's why active forms of Vitamin D in skin care products are so important (and why we included them in our products).

Even though it may be hard to get enough vitamin D, it is so important for our overall health, and the benefits are worth the effort! In this blog post, we will be looking at the specific ways that vitamin D can benefit our skin. We will be exploring its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and immune supporting effects, and how they help to keep our skin looking healthy and bright.

Plant Based Vitamin D: How Lichens Play a Role

If you're not looking to expose your skin to the sun every day, you can also get Vitamin D through your diet. It can most commonly be found in foods such as oily fish, eggs, and dairy products, as well as supplementation through an oral vitamin. But if you're vegan, or simply looking for a plant-based alternative, Vitamin D can also be made by certain species of lichens.

Lichens are a fascinating organism; they are actually a combination of fungi and algae which live in symbiosis with one another. When exposed to sunlight, lichens convert UV rays into a form of vitamin D that can be used by humans and other animals. We use this form of Vitamin D in our skin care products at Be Mavic as a vegan and cruelty free solution.

What is Vitamin D, Anyway?

This nutrient helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for the maintenance of healthy bones, teeth, mental health, and yes, even the skin. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a number of skin conditions, including eczema and psoriasis. By ensuring that you get enough vitamin D through a balanced diet, moderate sun exposure, and topical skin care, you can help to keep your complexion healthy and looking its best.

Benefits of Vitamin D for Skin

Vitamin D levels play a crucial role in skin health. Topical vitamin D3 used in skincare products can help improve overall health of the face, by providing nourishment and protection from environmental damage, while limiting the need for sun exposure.

Helps Promote Healthy Skin Tone, Texture and Complexion

You might already know that Vitamin D3 helps the body to absorb calcium, but you may not know that calcium is just as important for the skin as it is for the bones.

When the body does not get enough calcium, it can lead to a condition called hypocalcemia, which can cause the skin to become dry, itchy, and flaky. Without enough calcium, the skin may become weak and brittle, and it may be more prone to damage and infection.

Additionally, low levels of calcium can cause the skin to lose its elasticity, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging. Using a moisturizer or serum with this active ingredient can help promote hydration in your skin, fight free radicals, and boost the health of your skin barrier.

Acts as a Powerful Anti-Inflammatory

Vitamin D helps to reduce inflammation in the body by acting on immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages, and regulating their activity. This helps to prevent these cells from producing too many inflammatory molecules, which can lead to chronic conditions. By reducing inflammation in the body, vitamin D can help treat inflammatory conditions in the skin, such as acne, psoriasis, eczema and other skin disorders. It can also reduce dryness or redness in the skin.

Protects the Skin from Harmful UV Rays

Vitamin D3 has been shown to help protect the skin from sunlight exposure, by promoting the production of melanin, which is a pigment that can help to protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays. That's why you produce vitamin D when you expose the skin to sunlight; you body creates this important nutrient in a natural response to UV.

This is not to say that you should abandon your sunscreen, however! The risks of skin cancer are still far to high to abandon sun protection for just Vitamin D alone. But in moderation, sun exposure can be good to boost Vitamin D in the body.

Helps Stimulate Cell Growth

Vitamin D3 has been shown to help stimulate cell growth in the body, including skin cells. This is because vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. When the body lacks vitamin D3, it can cause cells to grow and divide abnormally, leading to the development of various skin diseases. Application of vitamin D also helps to stimulate the production and synthesis of collagen, by increasing the activity of collagen-producing cells, known as fibroblasts. This helps to improve skin health and appearance, while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and speeding up the healing of wounds and scars.

Maintains a Healthy Immune System

The immune system is the body's defense against infection and disease. It is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from harmful invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. Vitamin D3 plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system, by helping to activate and regulate the immune cells that are responsible for fighting off these harmful invaders. Vitamin D may also help to reduce inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to mental health disorders.

Effects of Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D helps to maintain the skin's barrier function, which helps to protect it from environmental damage. Without enough of this important vitamin, your skin can become dry, itchy and sometimes even inflamed. In addition, not having enough of this essential nutrient can lead to premature aging and wrinkles.

But not getting the right dose of Vitamin D can have a huge impact on your overall health, as well. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of depression and anxiety, while higher levels of vitamin D have been associated with better mental health. This is thought to be due to the role of vitamin D in regulating the production of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are chemicals that play a role in mood and emotion.

Balanced You, Balanced Skin

A healthy state of mind is important for your skin's wellbeing. When you are well-rested and balanced, your skin is also happier and healthier. That's why we love using Vitamin D from vegan sources in our topical skin care, as well as our immunity support oil drops.

At Be Mavic, we want to promote your best health from the inside out. Check out our product lines, and our other ingredients, to see how you can bring out the best in you.