Vitamin D. In some studies, Melasma has been associated with low levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for skin health as it helps regulate skin cell growth and immune function. Sun exposure is a major vitamin D source, and vitamin D deficiency may affect the skin's ability to control pigmentation.
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.
While melasma most often develops after prolonged sun exposure or during pregnancy due to fluctuating hormone levels, it may also be a sign of malnutrition or liver disease. Studies have linked melasma to people with poor liver function, vitamin B12 deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.
What causes melasma? There are two main causes of melasma: radiation, whether ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared (heat) light; and hormones. Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun are key in making melasma worse.
Here's why excessive Vitamin D supplementation can cause acne: the first key reason is that Vitamin D stimulates testosterone, which is the primary hormone that aggravates hormonal acne. The second key reason is that supplements simply contain too much of it.
Vitamin D protects skin from photo-damage by repairing cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, reversing oxidative stress, and reducing chronic inflammation. Moreover, various epidemiological studies have identified vitamin D deficiency as a marker for common dermatological disorders.
A board-certified dermatologist is your best option for melasma treatment, so your face appears even-toned and healthy. Sun exposure, hormone changes, and genetics are three of the most common triggers of hyperpigmentation and melasma flare-ups.
Aloe vera is a fantastic melasma treatment at home, known for its soothing and healing properties. Applying fresh aloe vera gel to affected areas can help reduce pigmentation and improve overall skin health. Leave the gel on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.
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.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Meat, fish, and eggs are rich in Vitamin B12. Therefore, it can be missing from your diet if you are vegan or vegetarian. Tip: Consuming vitamin-rich foods can reverse melasma. Consume fortified cereals, nutritional yeast, and supplements to replenish your nutrient intake.
Avoiding foods high in copper, glycemic index, sugar, soy, and dairy may help manage melasma symptoms.
Vitamin D has been demonstrated to be critical in the skin, including differentiation and proliferation of melanocytes. Our results suggest that patients with melasma, who have significantly lower levels of serum vitamin D than their healthy counterparts, may benefit from vitamin D supplementation.
The effect of equivalent oral doses of vitamin D3 600 IU/day, 4200 IU/week and 18,000 IU/month on vitamin D status was compared in a randomized clinical trial in nursing home residents. A daily dose was more effective than a weekly dose, and a monthly dose was the least effective.
Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in skin homeostasis contributing to its barrier function [20,29,36,37,38]. Moreover, as an essential part of a functioning immune system, active forms of vitamin D modulate the cutaneous immunity [8,30,39].
Etiologic factors include genetic influences, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pregnancy, hormonal therapies, cosmetics, phototoxic drugs, and antiseizure medications. Genetic predisposition may be a major factor in the development of melasma. Melasma is more common in females than in males.
The most commonly used treatments for melasma are skin lightening medications that are applied topically. These include medications such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, cysteamine, rucinol, and tranexamic acid.
What Deficiency Causes Melasma? Studies have proved that there is a link between vitamin B12 deficiency and melasma, which means a deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause melasma on the face. Iron deficiency anemia can also lead to melasma.
Parsley Tea
Parsley has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce the severity of melasma. Brew parsley in hot water to make a tea, and let it cool.
Tri-Luma (fluocinolone/hydroquinone/tretinoin) - Uses, Side Effects, and More. Overview: Tri-Luma is used to treat a condition called melasma, which is where colored areas appear on the face. Tri-Luma contains three medicines.
Although vitamin D is essential for skin health, its primary role is the promotion of melanin formation, which may cause more skin darkening. Keep in mind the best results will come from a tailor-made formulation, which one of the Kirsch Dermatology doctors can recommend and formulate for you.
Safety and side effects
However, taking too much vitamin D in the form of supplements can be harmful. Children age 9 years and older, adults, and pregnant and breastfeeding women who take more than 4,000 IU a day of vitamin D might experience: Nausea and vomiting. Poor appetite and weight loss.
Although the researchers noted that larger studies are needed to confirm a clear effect, they felt the results "suggest that increased vitamin D levels may lead to the development of rosacea."