Why This is the One Supplement You Need to be Taking for Your Skin and Hair
It seems these days there is a supplement for everything. Supplements to make us sleep, supplements to give us energy, supplements … the list goes on. With all these claims it can be tricky to know what’s legit and what’s not. This is when it can be helpful to simply go back to basics and look at the simple vitamin… contains one thing, does what it says, and the benefits are clear. But which to take? There are a variety of vitamins that can bring about a myriad of benefits, but there is one that you NEED to be taking for your skin and hair health and that is (drumroll please) … vitamin D.
VITAMIN D: THE BASICS
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin in a family of compounds including vitamins D1, D2 and D3. Most of us associate vitamin D with the sun, and rightly so! Our skin produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight.
Aside from this, it is possible to get vitamin D in smaller amounts by consuming these foods. Vitamin D2 and D3 are the most common, D2 coming from plants and D3 coming from animals. Vitamin D2 can be found in mushrooms (grown in UV light) and fortified foods. Vitamin D3 can be found in oily fish, liver, egg yolks and butter. Vitamin D3 tends to be the most favourable as it is more potent and easier to absorb.
Why Is Vitamin D So Important?
Vitamin D is incredibly important, yet deficiencies have become increasingly common. It is essential that we have adequate vitamin D levels as deficiencies can lead to issues in the body such as loss of bone density, fatigue and a weakened immune system. When it comes to our skin, a lack of vitamin D can lead to inflammation and other issues like rashes and itchiness for our skin, as well as hair loss and thinning. Because so many of us ladies are concerned about our skin, we avoid the sun like the plague because of the damage and ageing it can cause, so it’s no wonder that so many of us aren’t getting enough Vitamin D… this is where taking a Vitamin D supplement is the perfect option.
What Sort of Vitamin D Supplement Should I Take?
When it comes to selecting the right vitamin D supplement, most people find themselves choosing between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. For most people, vitamin D3 is most appropriate as it is known to be more effective at raising vitamin D levels in the body. However, this is not suitable for everyone as it is sourced from animal products, so for vegans or vegetarians, vitamin D2 would be the best option.
What Are the Benefits of Taking Vitamin D?
There are numerous benefits to be had for our skin and hair from taking a vitamin D supplement. Firstly, Vitamin D has been proven to improve skin repairing, so having adequate vitamin D levels can help our skin recover from wounds, blemishes and other damage it might be experiencing. Furthermore, vitamin D is known to help protect against damage in the first place! Supplementing with vitamin D can also help if you’re having acne issues, due to is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. A further beauty related benefit of taking Vitamin D is having long, thick, and healthy hair. Hair loss can often be attributed to a vitamin D deficiency. This is because when our bodies don’t have enough vitamin D, keratinocytes (which are our cells that produce keratin, the protein that makes up our hair, skin, and nails) in hair follicles are unable to aid in hair growth. Aside from the beauty benefits, vitamin D can also help with our mood, support a healthy immune system, help with the growth and development of bones and teeth, and help prevent certain diseases.
Given the plethora of benefits that we can experience from boosting our vitamin D levels, it is definitely a good idea to incorporate a vitamin D supplement into your daily rituals, for both your beauty, and your overall wellbeing!
