Vitamin D is used as an anti-inflammatory active ingredient in skincare. While vitamin D2 is always vegan, D3 can be animal-derived. D3 often obtained from sheep sweat. However, it can also be made from lichens. Thus, in skincare, vitamin D can be both, vegan and non-vegan.
Most people know the importance of vitamin D for a healthy body. However, it is not such a popular active ingredient in skin care. However, it has several benefits. Let’s see what these are.
What Is Vitamin D In Skincare Made Of?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble compound that acts as a hormone in the human body. The vitamin is obtained from lanolin, yeast, lichen, or mushrooms.
Vitamin D is the only vitamin that does not come from food. The body produces vitamin D itself from sunlight. The sun’s UV-B rays stimulate the skin to produce it. That is why vitamin D is sometimes called the sun vitamin.
The vitamin is very important for health and acts as a hormone in the human body. The central role of vitamin D in our body is the regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism.
The normal development of bone tissue depends on it as well. Vitamin D affects blood clotting, muscle work, nerve tissue function, and immunity. Correlations have been also found with an increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and depression.
In order to prevent vitamin D deficiency in winter, it is important to be outside in daylight as much as possible. However, most people are used to taking vitamin D supplements or consuming foods enriched with vitamin D.
Vitamin D in skincare might be both – vegan and non-vegan. Vitamin D2 is always vegan and comes from yeast and mushrooms. However, vitamin D3 can be obtained from animal sources such as sheep wool. But it can also be derived from lichen.
Why Is Vitamin D Used In Skincare?
Vitamin D is used in skincare because it is essential for the skin’s regular regeneration. It ensures cell renewal, prevents inflammation, protects against free radicals, and accelerates wound healing.
In addition, vitamin D has a similar effect to a steroid hormone and can regulate the body’s own hormone production. That is why vitamin D has been shown to help with hormonal acne.
Since vitamin D also strengthens the skin and its protective barrier, it is much more difficult for the bacteria to penetrate into pores. Therefore, vitamin D helps with other inflammatory skin problems.
Vitamin D has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and can be used to also treat psoriasis. For this skincare concern, vitamin D can be used externally as well as internally.
Moreover, the vitamin brings relief to neurodermatitis. That disorder defects the skin protective barrier and the defense reaction. So, pro-inflammatory substances are released. Vitamin D helps regulate these by curbing the inflammatory response.
FAQ About Vitamin D In Skincare
Vitamin D in skincare can be both, vegan and non-vegan. Vitamin D2 is always vegan and comes from yeast and mushrooms. However, vitamin D3 can be obtained from animal sources such as sheep wool. But it can also be derived from lichen.
Vitamin D is used in skincare because it is essential for the skin’s regular regeneration. It ensures cell renewal, prevents inflammation, protects against free radicals, and accelerates wound healing.
Summary
There is no doubt that vitamin D plays an important role in skin health. It stimulates cell regeneration, prevents inflammation, and strengthens the skin’s protective barrier. For your skin, you can take vitamin D as a supplement, get it from the sun, or use vitamin D-enriched skin care products.
However, vitamin D can be both – vegan and non-vegan. Therefore, we recommend checking with the manufacturer about the origin of vitamin D in their products. Shop at vegan skincare brands or look for certified vegan labels.
If you are struggling with any skin problem or your skin is acne-prone, be sure to consult a dermatologist. So they could determine the best treatment for you.
See also: Best Vegan Skincare Products
