Unlike the other vitamins, we do not need to get Vitamin D from foods. The main source of Vitamin D is made by our own body with adequate exposure to the sun as it promotes sufficient Vitamin D synthesis in the body. Although Vitamin D Is commonly called a Vitamin, it is not essentially a dietary vitamin because it can be synthesized in adequate amounts by most mammals, except cats and dogs. If we don’t get enough sunlight, we’ll need to take supplements in order to cover our Vitamin D shortage.
There are 5 forms of Vitamin D: Vitamin D1, Vitamin D2, Vitamin D3, Vitamin D4, Vitamin D5. Out of all these Vitamin D2 and D3 are most important for us. Vitamin D2 is produced in invertebrates, fungus, and plants in response to sunlight. Our bodies do not produce Vitamin D2. And Vitamin D3 is made in the skin with the help of ultraviolet light. Our bodies require 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure at least twice a week on the face, arms and back without sunscreen with a greater than 3 UV index for adequate amounts of Vitamin D3 synthesis.
There are 3 ways to get Vitamin D: food, sunlight, and supplements. Foods which contain Vitamin D3 are Salmon, Tuna, Soy milk, Orange juice, Low-fat milk, Cereals, Eggs, Swiss cheese.
Except for the overall health Vitamin D contains many skin benefits such as:
- Vitamin D treats psoriasis.
- Vitamin D repairs skin damage.
- Vitamin D prevents infections.
- Vitamin D rejuvenates the skin.
- Vitamin D treats burns, skin injuries, skin damage, and stretch marks.
- Vitamin D prevents skin damage and premature aging of skin.
- Vitamin D prevents skin damage and sunburns deficiency.
- Vitamin D helps treat eczema and rosacea.