Why you need Vitamin D this winter

We all talk about summer skin, but what about winter skin? The connection between gut, lifestyle and the direct impact on the skin is an ever growing topic, and whilst it is clear that skin health goes beyond lotions and creams. From being our first line of barrier from injury, wound healing, sensation to temperature regulation and vitamin production (in the case of vitamin D). We also know very well that skin health affects the way we feel about ourselves.

The ‘gut-skin axis’ refers to the intrinsic relationship between our gastrointestinal and skin organs, as they share very similar roles in regulating our immune and hormonal functions. What we eat has an influence on the way our gut functions, the make-up of the gut microbiome (all the microorganisms which reside there) and the integrity of the intestinal barrier. The gut microbiota have an important role in maintaining the skin homeostasis and its normal functioning. This is why disturbances in the gut can sometimes manifest themselves in skin conditions such as eczema and acne. 

And don’t forget, during winter months, we are all recommended to take a daily vitamin supplement of 10 micrograms (ug) vitamin D because the change of the angle of the sun means the UVB rays are not strong enough to get through to our skin to make vitamin D. 

Vitamin D is important is that it helps to regulate the body’s use of calcium and phosphorus, which keeps bones, teeth and muscles strong and healthy.