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| Photo courtesy of Imagery Magestic/FreeDigitalPhotos.net |
There is one essential vitamin your skin
absorbs, and that’s vitamin D. It is best received naturally from the sun, but
those living in colder climates experience little-to-no sun exposure during the
winter. So much so, northerners usually suffer from D-deficiency more than
those living in warmer climates.
Although the recommended daily amount is
600 IUs for adults, still check with your doctor as you may need more or less
than what’s recommended. Once you’ve been exposed to sunlight it converts into D3, which is
stored and can be used by the body.
A D-deficiency has been linked to
diabetes, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, cancer, hair
loss, a weakened immune system and the list goes on. An adequate amount lends
itself to being a great source of calcium and phosphorous. Vitamin-D's benefits leave many western medical physicians at odds, as research shows that high levels of Vitamin-D can reverse a variety autoimmune diseases. Of course, other studies report the opposite. Perhaps, listen to your body and be your own judge.
If you prefer to have doses of vitamin D
naturally, then get at least 15 minutes of direct sun exposure daily. Supplements,
salmon and fortified dairy also contain vitamin D, but sometimes not enough
(depending on your geographical location, skin type and season).
However, there are benefits to absorbing
vitamin D through the skin as it has been found to reduce the appearance of
dark spot and wrinkles while stimulating the skin’s elasticity, collagen production
and increased radiance. In addition to the sunshine, there are products
enhanced with vitamin D to be used topically.
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| Image courtesy of Carlos Porto/FreeDigitalPhotos.ent |
If you choose to get your vitamin D from
the sun, which is also needed for healthy hair growth; then be play it smart. Wear
a sun hat when needed (sun blazing days), moisturize your skin and drink plenty of water. Oh, and
if you’re beginning to feel as if you’ve had enough sunlight (experiencing
symptoms of fatigue or dizziness), then step inside to cool down.
As always, my advice is to trust your instincts, but also consult a
health care provider for necessary guidance and to help you sort through which
approach to vitamin D consumption is best for you.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES:
