Eczema and Vitamin D: how the sunshine vitamin can help your skin

National Eczema Week is here! So, let’s explore the connection between Vitamin D and eczema…

Eczema can be a challenging skin condition to live with. It’s a long-term condition affecting both children and adults. It is most common in childhood, affecting 10% to 30% of children.¹ Yet, 1 in 10 adults are also affected.² These figures show how prevalent eczema is.

What is Atopic Dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common form of eczema. Altogether, there are seven different types! AD is an inflammatory skin condition that usually follows a pattern of flare-ups and periods where symptoms improve.³ Common symptoms include itchy and dry skin, which can blister and bleed.⁴ These symptoms can be truly debilitating for patients. Related mental health problems may also arise, like anxiety,⁵ further highlighting how this condition impacts the quality of a patient’s life.

AD is a complex condition with no one cause. According to NICE, AD involves several factors, including genetics, immune function, and the environment.⁶ These factors can impair the skin barrier and dysregulate the immune system.⁷ There is a link between changes in the gut and skin microbes and the development of AD.⁸ Remember, the skin is a map of what is going on in the gut! Addressing your gut health is key when it comes to autoimmune conditions like eczema.

Conventional treatments include immuno-modulatory medications such as topical or oral steroids.⁹ These aim to support patients but are not a cure. Research into natural approaches is crucial to providing much-needed patient relief.

Why is Vitamin D important?

As the summer months draw to a close and Autumn starts, concerns about Vitamin D levels set in – and rightly so. Sunlight is one of the primary sources of Vitamin D, making it more difficult to get this all-important vitamin in the colder, darker months! But its importance is year-round.

Low Vitamin D levels in the UK are not uncommon. In fact, 1 in 5 adults and children have low Vitamin D levels.¹⁰ Vitamin D is an essential vitamin necessary for various functions within the body. It supports bones, teeth, mood and the immune system.¹¹

Science has found a link between lower Vitamin D levels and eczema.¹² Research shows that Vitamin D supplements can reduce AD severity in children.¹³ Why might this be? This all-important vitamin has been found to protect the skin barrier and have an anti-inflammatory effect.¹⁴

Eczema patients have also been found to have increased amounts of Staphylococcus aureus on their skin.¹⁵ This pathogenic bacteria is linked to increased inflammation.¹⁶ One study found Vitamin D supplementation is supportive against this pathogen.¹⁷

Where can you get Vitamin D?

The best source of Vitamin D is sunlight, but other sources include supplements and foods. Oily fish, red meat, egg yolks, mushrooms, and certain fortified foods all contain Vitamin D. Even our nutrient-dense, probiotic-rich Kefir contains Vitamin D!

When supplementing with Vitamin D for skin health, we recommend opting for a Vitamin D3 supplement combined with Vitamin K2. This combination promotes healthy skin by aiding in calcium regulation, which can help soothe and manage inflammatory skin conditions like eczema.

Want to know what your Vitamin D level is? Discuss this with your GP or opt for a Vitamin D test via a reputable private company.

Looking for further skin support? The following three areas are an excellent place to start: