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Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphate. The most important vitamin D compounds are cholecalciferol and egocalciferol. Vitamin D is obtained from milk, fish, and fortified margarine. However, sunlight exposure is the main source of vitamin D for most people.

Production in the #skin

It is synthesized in the epidermis of the skin on exposure to solar ultra violet-B radiation from the sun. Production occurs in the stratum spinosum and stratum basale layers of the epidermis. Pre vitamin D forms into cholecalciferol which is transported into the blood stream by a protein. Upon prolonged exposure to sunlight, vitamin D can be broken down to suprasterol, which regulates epidermal proliferation.

Once it enters the blood stream and gets transported to the liver the vitamin is broken down to 25 –hydroxyvitamin also called calcidol. In the kidney, vitamin D undergoes hydroxylation to form the one, 25-dihydraxyvitamin also called calcitriol. Vitamin D stimulates calcium absorption in the digestive system and maintains adequate phosphate and calcium concentrations. Vitamin D is also needed for bone growth and bone restoration .The vitamin, however has most of its effects on the skin.

Treating psoriasis and rashes

Calcitrol has been used for a long time to treat skin conditions like psoriasis. Naturally, it regulates epidermal proliferation and differentiation. Several studies have proved that topical use of calcitrol ointment can effectively treat the plaque type of psoriasis .Vitamin D supplement called calcipotriene has been used as a treatment for chronic plaque psoriasis. Calcitrol ointment can treat skin rashes and lesions. Some of the most common skin problems include moles with irregular shape, spots with rough edges, pink rashes and vitamin D ointments can treat all pimples that swell and itch. Enough vitamin D in your circulation can also prevent these conditions.

Reducing the risk of #Eczema

Vitamin D deficiency results in severe skin symptoms including eczema. Eczema, commonly called atopic dermatitis is a skin disorder that causes inflammation of the skin, red, dry, rough and itchy skin. However it is not yet proved whether vitamin D can cure or prevent eczema. Vitamin D is an essential part of the immune system of the body. When this immune system does not work properly you are at a high risk of eczema. Lower vitamin D results to more severe symptoms of eczema.

The skin plays an important role as it houses vitamin D receptors on the surface. Vitamin D increases amounts of good antimicrobial proteins in the skin. These destroy invading germs. Vitamin D works in the immune system to reduce inflammatory proteins called cytokines. This preventing inflammation and fighting off germs on the skin help to prevent skin infection. Nevertheless studies have shown that having too much vitamin D might increase your risks of allergic skin diseases.

#Acne prevention

A poor immune system due to low amounts of vitamin D in your system can increase oil production in your skin cells. Acne is formed when skin cells clog a follicle and causes buildup of oil, providing an environment for acne-causing bacteria to thrive. Irritation that is caused by caused by constant rubbing against the skin’s surface is another cause of acne. Vitamin D synthesis on the skin due to sun exposure reduces the amount of bacteria on your skin, this eventually reduces the level of acne. Vitamin D also prevents inflammation so the spots will not be able to swell into full-blown acne.

Skin renewal

Calcitriol is formed from vitamin D-3 when you skin is exposed to sunlight and this starts a chemical reaction within keratinocytes. These are specialized cells, which due to the process of vitamin D synthesis and hydroxylation divide and differentiate constantly, giving your skin a supply of new cells. This is important for a healthy skin because keratinocytes make up for 95 percent of your total skin cells. Skin cell renewal and division is directly liable to the amount of vitamin D in your system. Deficiency of Vitamin D will result in an unhealthy and thin sagging skin. Vitamin D also helps in healing wounds.

You can get sufficient vitamin D by a short time exposure to sunlight in the morning and evening, or by taking supplements or foods rich in vitamin D. Consult with your doctor first before starting on supplements.