Vitamin D and your skin

​Are you enjoying the sunshine and getting out in the fresh air – keeping in mind social isolating.  Vitamin D, called the Sunshine Vitamin, is a unique vitamin that people just don’t get enough of, especially in Ireland. 
 
Spring/Summer are the best times to enjoy being outdoor and connecting with the healing power of nature.  Vitamin D can also be taken as a supplement and occurs naturally in a few foods, including some fish, egg yolks and in fortified dairy and grain products. 
 
Vitamin D is an essential for strong bones, helping to prevent Osteoprosis, including in the foot and ankle; also helps your gut health by assisting the absorption of calcium and phosphorus – two minerals that are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones; promoting skin cell growth, repair and can prevent premature aging; improves your mood, we smile more when the sun is shining.
 
Deficiency in Vitamin D is associated with increased autoimmunity and susceptibility to infection – it helps keep our immune systems balanced during the cold and flu season, very important at this time and helps your body absorb calcium and promote bone growth.

Some tips that will help you safely enjoy the sunlight:

• Only spend a short amount of time (approximately 30 minutes) in the midday sun to increase your body’s absorption of Vitamin D.
• Always use a sunscreen with a high PF factor to protect your skin.
• Use sunglasses to protect your eyesight.
• See your GP immediately if you see a new lesion or growth or changes in your skin; colour, size or shape or a sore that doesn’t heal.
• When having your annual blood check up have your GP check your Vitamin D levels.

 
As with everything, getting a healthy sun intake is a balancing act.