The Skin and Vitamin D

    November 2012
    Daniel D. Bikle
    TLDR Vitamin D is made by the skin, helps control various body functions, and affects skin health and immunity.
    The document from 11 years ago discussed the role of vitamin D in the skin. The skin is the primary source of vitamin D for the body, which is formed from the precursor 7-dehydrocholesterol under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Vitamin D, when converted to its active metabolites, regulates not only bone mineral homeostasis but also differentiation and proliferation of numerous cell types, hormone secretion, and immune function. The keratinocytes of the skin are unique as they not only produce vitamin D but also metabolize it to active metabolites and respond to it through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Vitamin D and/or its receptor regulate numerous skin functions including inhibition of proliferation, stimulation of differentiation, promotion of innate immunity, regulation of the hair follicle cycle, and suppression of tumor formation. These actions are regulated by different coregulators including the coactivators DRIP and SRC, an inhibitor called hairless (Hr), and β-catenin. Different coregulators are involved in different VDR regulated functions.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Iron Overload and Vitamin D Deficiency - Male Hair Loss

      in Treatment  19 upvotes 2 years ago
      The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, specifically minoxidil, vitamin D supplements, and the potential impact of iron overload. The user experienced hair regrowth with high-dose vitamin D but faced hair thinning again after reducing the dosage, and is now exploring the role of iron overload in hair loss.

      community 8 months Finasteride Progress (pictures in comments)

      in Finasteride  67 upvotes 6 years ago
      The user reports 8 months of hair growth progress using 1mg Finasteride daily, 5k biotin daily, Nizoral 1% biweekly, a multivitamin daily, and Vitamin D 2000IU daily, with pictures provided for reference. Commenters discuss the improved thickness and length of the hair, with some suggesting a buzz cut for better comparison, which the user declines.

      community Vitamin D help? Any help would be appreciated :D

      in Chat  55 upvotes 4 years ago
      The individual is experiencing hair loss and has a vitamin D deficiency, with levels at 7.49ng/ml or 26nmol/l. They are unsure if the deficiency is causing the hair loss and are seeking advice on vitamin D supplementation.

      community 3 months progress 7/4 - 10/1

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  69 upvotes 4 years ago
      A user reported improved hair thickness after using 1mg daily of finasteride, minoxidil foam twice daily, vitamin D, and biotin shampoo, and later reduced the finasteride dose to 0.5mg. They plan to provide another update at the 6-month mark.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results
      Vitamin D and the Skin: Focus on a Complex Relationship

      research Vitamin D and the Skin: Focus on a Complex Relationship

      139 citations, February 2014 in “Journal of Advanced Research”
      Vitamin D is important for skin health and may affect conditions like psoriasis and hair loss, but more research is needed to understand its role fully.
      Vitamin D Metabolism and Function in the Skin

      research Vitamin D Metabolism and Function in the Skin

      185 citations, December 2011 in “Molecular and cellular endocrinology”
      Skin cells produce and activate vitamin D, which regulates skin functions and supports hair growth.

      research The Skin and Vitamin D

      January 2012 in “Human health handbooks”
      The skin produces and uses vitamin D for bone health, cell growth, and immune function.