This is the fourth of a seven-part series, where we invite skin and beauty experts to explain the intricacies of the vitamins found in our skincare products
Most of us are aware that our body produces vitamin D when our skin is exposed to the sun, but did you know that it can also be applied topically for additional beauty benefits?
While consuming the vitamin through our diet and spending time in the sun every day is still essential to keep us happy and healthy, topical vitamin D products can also offer additional antioxidant benefits as well as treat autoimmune skin diseases like psoriasis, vitiligo and eczema.
Not sure if you need it? Dr Toby Hui of Freia Medical and Dr Lam Bee Lan of Ageless Medical shed some light on this “sunshine vitamin”.
What is Vitamin D?
Called the “sunshine vitamin”, vitamin D belongs to the class of fat-soluble vitamins—along with vitamins A, D, E and K) and is sometimes classified as a hormone. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining the strength of your bones and muscles because it helps the body to regulate the calcium found in your diet.
Available in two forms—D2 and D3, D2 can be consumed through plant sources, while D3 is produced by the body in response to the skin being exposed to sunlight or found in animal-sourced foods like some fish, fish liver oils, egg yolks and dairy products.