Can lack of vitamin D cause hyperpigmentation?

Author: Brenda Dickens  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Kaufman concluded that darker skin pigmentation is associated with lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration. Serum vitamin D level also appears to be related to intake of vitamin D – rich foods and multivitamins containing vitamin D, but not self-reported level of sun exposure or use of sun protection.

Does low vitamin D cause hyperpigmentation?

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids that are responsible for several important biological processes, including our skin health. In fact, several causes of skin pigmentation can be traced back to vitamin-D deficiency.

Why am I suddenly getting hyperpigmentation?

A number of factors can trigger an increase in melanin production, but the main ones are sun exposure, hormonal influences, age and skin injuries or inflammation. Sun exposure is the number one cause of hyperpigmentation as it's sunlight that triggers the production of melanin in the first place.

Which vitamin deficiency causes hyperpigmentation?

The hyperpigmentation related to vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in darker-skinned patients. Few other cases of skin hyperpigmentation due to vitamin B12 deficiency have been reported in the literature. The mechanism of hyperpigmentation is due to increased melanin synthesis rather than a defect in melanin.

Can low vitamin D affect your skin?

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with the risk of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, and several clinical/observational studies have suggested the beneficial effect of vitamin D in the therapy of these 2 inflammatory skin disorders.

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What are 3 symptoms of not enough vitamin D?

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:
  • Fatigue.
  • Not sleeping well.
  • Bone pain or achiness.
  • Depression or feelings of sadness.
  • Hair loss.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Getting sick more easily.

Can lack of vitamin D cause spots?

Some emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D can help with the symptoms of acne for those who have a vitamin D deficiency. Exposure to sunlight is a significant source of vitamin D. People might also get vitamin D from supplements or creams. People with vitamin D deficiencies are more susceptible to acne.

What is the best vitamin to remove hyperpigmentation?

Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin. Vitamin B12 also promotes collagen formation while supporting the growth of new skin cells.

What does a vitamin D deficiency rash look like?

Some research has shown that a vitamin D deficiency may be connected with several skin conditions, including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, the latter an allergic reaction that comes with an itchy, scaly rash, usually on your face, elbows, and knees.

Can B12 reverse hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is an early and reversible sign of vitamin B 12 deficiency, which must be promptly recognised and corrected. The cause of B12 deficiency must be identified and additionally treated.

What illnesses cause hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation Disorders
  • POSTINFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION.
  • MELASMA.
  • SOLAR LENTIGINES.
  • EPHELIDES.
  • CAFÉ AU LAIT MACULES.
  • VITILIGO.
  • PITYRIASIS ALBA.
  • TINEA VERSICOLOR.

Will my skin get darker if I take vitamin D?

What does seem to be the general consensus though in answer to the question, does taking vitamin D help you tan, is that whilst it's probably unlikely that vitamin D supplements darken the skin, being exposed to sunlight helps us to manufacture vitamin D, and in this process, we may also get a tan.

How to flush vitamin D out of system?

But how do you flush vitamin D out of your system – and can you even do that? Yes, by ensuring you consume plenty of water. This will encourage urination, allowing your body to shed the excess vitamin D and calcium more quickly. Prescription diuretics like furosemide can also be helpful.

Can vitamin D deficiency cause skin discoloration?

Kaufman concluded that darker skin pigmentation is associated with lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration. Serum vitamin D level also appears to be related to intake of vitamin D – rich foods and multivitamins containing vitamin D, but not self-reported level of sun exposure or use of sun protection.

How can I raise my vitamin D levels quickly?

Here are three ways to increase your intake:
  1. Eat foods high in vitamin D, like fish or fortified breakfast foods (milk, cereals and orange juice).
  2. Get vitamin D from moderate sunlight exposure each day.
  3. Take a vitamin D3 supplement or cod liver oil.

What vitamin deficiencies cause hyperpigmentation?

Many mucocutaneous findings, including hair and nail changes and hyperpigmentation, especially of the hands and feet, are associated with vitamin B12 deficiency [5]. Reversible skin and mucosal hyperpigmentation are the most commonly found skin manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency [6].

What pill gets rid of hyperpigmentation?

Tranexamic acid has also found to inhibit tyrosinase activity to reduce hyperpigmentation. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that catalyzes the first step of melanin synthesis from the protein tyrosine. This mechanism of action of tranexamic acid leads to a slowed melanin synthesis and lightened hyperpigmentation.

What to eat to reduce pigmentation?

7 Foods to Reduce Pigmentation
  • Pomegranate. ...
  • Papaya. ...
  • Fatty Fish. ...
  • Carrot. ...
  • Green vegetables. ...
  • Sweet Potato. ...
  • Citrus Fruits. ...
  • Cleanse: Cleanse your face with a gentle face wash to eliminate dust, dirt, and pollution trapped under the skin.

What happens to skin when vitamin D is low?

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with the risk of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, and several clinical/observational studies have suggested the beneficial effect of vitamin D in the therapy of these 2 inflammatory skin disorders.

What does B12 acne look like?

High-dose vitamins B6 and B12 have also been linked to rosacea fulminans, a condition that looks like acne. Rosacea is marked by large red bumps and pustules that typically appear on the nose, chin, and/or cheeks.

Why am I suddenly vitamin D deficiency?

You don't get enough vitamin D in your diet. You don't absorb enough vitamin D from food (a malabsorption problem) You don't get enough exposure to sunlight. Your liver or kidneys cannot convert vitamin D to its active form in the body.

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