Can vitamin D deficiency cause blemishes?

Author: Adam Luettgen  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

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. However, despite claims that vitamin D can treat acne, scientists are still unclear whether vitamin D does have any effect.

Which vitamin deficiency causes blemishes?

A Vitamin B deficiency can wreak havoc on your skin, causing acne, rashes, dry and flaky skin, cracked lips, and wrinkles. It can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, personal care products, and other potential aggressors, and can accordingly lead to redness and irritation.

Can vitamin D deficiency cause skin spots?

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.

What are 5 signs of vitamin D deficiency to not ignore?

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.

What are the red flags of vitamin D deficiency?

When vitamin D levels are low and the body isn't able to properly absorb calcium and phosphorus, there is an increased risk of bone pain, bone fractures, muscle pain, and muscle weakness. In older adults, severe vitamin D deficiency (levels less than 10 ng/mL) may also contribute to an increased risk of falls.

The Top Vitamin Deficiency with Acne

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 pigmentation?

Vitiligo is a common pigmentary disorder caused by the destruction of functional melanocytes. Vitamin D is an essential hormone synthesized in the skin and is responsible for skin pigmentation. Low levels of vitamin D have been observed in vitiligo patients and in patients with other autoimmune diseases.

What is lymphatic acne?

When the lymph system is blocked and fluid is building then your skin can be what suffers. As the toxins are stuck under the skin around the neck and jawline it can cause large breakouts of acne.

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.

What deficiency causes skin spots?

Basically, white spots in the body are harmless; however, you need to identify its cause for proper treatment to rule out any potential health issue. Vitamin deficiencies, especially the ones in vitamins D, B12, and E are amongst the most common causes for having white spots on your skin.

What blocks vitamin D absorption?

Because vitamin D is fat soluble, its absorption depends on the gut's ability to absorb dietary fat [4]. Fat malabsorption is associated with medical conditions that include some forms of liver disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis [1,63].

How long does it take to recover from vitamin D deficiency?

However, it generally takes about 6-8 weeks of supplementation for your vitamin D levels to go back into the normal range. Even after your Vitamin D levels get normal, your doctor may still have you take supplements for a while to make sure your levels don't fall below normal again.

Why am I suddenly getting blemishes?

Certain things may trigger or worsen acne: Hormonal changes. Androgens are hormones that increase in boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Hormone changes during midlife, particularly in women, can lead to breakouts too.

Which vitamin is best for blemishes?

Vitamins can give the skin the extra boost needed to fight acne. Vitamin A, D, zinc, and omega-3s are the most widely used vitamins for treating acne. For more recommendations regarding acne-fighting supplements, consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider.

What are the facial signs of B12 deficiency?

The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].

What clogged glands cause acne?

Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and oil (sebaceous) glands that become clogged. This leads to pimples and cysts. Acne is a common condition that often starts during puberty because of hormonal changes. Acne can be either superficial or deep.

How do I know if my lymphatic system is clogged?

Lymphedema signs and symptoms include:
  • Swelling of part or all of the arm or leg, including fingers or toes.
  • A feeling of heaviness or tightness.
  • Restricted range of motion.
  • Recurring infections.
  • Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis)

What are signs of low vitamin D?

Some of the effects of vitamin D deficiency include:
  • Fatigue or tiredness.
  • Bone pain.
  • Joint pain.
  • Muscle pain.
  • Sour mood.
  • Low energy.
  • More frequent illness.
  • Anxiety.

Can low vitamin D cause skin problems?

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 cancers cause low vitamin D?

Vitamin D deficiency has been found to be associated with a variety of cancers, including prostate, multiple myeloma, colorectal and breast cancer.

What's the worst that can happen with low vitamin D?

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a loss of bone density, which can contribute to osteoporosis and fractures (broken bones). Severe vitamin D deficiency can also lead to other diseases: In children, it can cause rickets. Rickets is a rare disease that causes the bones to become soft and bend.

What happens if I take 5000 IU of vitamin D3 every day?

In addition, taking a supplement that contains too much vitamin D can be toxic in rare cases. It can lead to hypercalcemia, a condition in which too much calcium builds up in the blood, potentially forming deposits in the arteries or soft tissues. It may also predispose people to painful kidney stones.

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.

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