Vitamin D and Acne: Is There a Link?

By Lucy Sugars, Nutritional Therapist

Vitamin D is such an important nutrient — and while many people know it supports the immune system, there’s more to this fat-soluble vitamin than meets the eye. It’s regularly discussed in the media and by health professionals, and in the UK, where sunshine is in short supply for much of the year, winter supplementation is often recommended.

But what does Vitamin D actually do in the body? And can it help with skin issues like acne?

Let’s explore.

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that we get from three main sources:

  1. Sunlight (UVB rays on the skin)
  2. Certain foods (like oily fish, egg yolks, mushrooms, and fortified dairy alternatives)
  3. Supplements

In the UK, it’s not possible to make enough Vitamin D from sunlight between October and April, which is why deficiency is so common — especially in those with darker skin tones or who spend little time outdoors.

What Does Vitamin D Do?

Vitamin D has wide-reaching effects in the body. It plays a key role in:

  • Immune regulation
  • Bone health and calcium absorption
  • Hormone balance
  • Skin barrier function
  • Inflammation control

A growing body of research now links Vitamin D deficiency with a range of skin concerns, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Can Vitamin D Help Acne?

Yes — this is an often overlooked area.

Several studies have shown that people with acne tend to have lower Vitamin D levels than those without. One study found that supplementing with just 1000 IU per day for 2 months led to a significant reduction in acne severity.

Vitamin D supports the skin in several ways:

  1. Helps regulate the immune response
  2. Reduces inflammation
  3. Strengthens the skin barrier
  4. May reduce overproduction of sebum (oil)
  5. Put simply, healthy Vitamin D levels can make a real difference to skin clarity and resilience.

 

Should You Take a Vitamin D Supplement?

It depends on your current levels.

The best way to find out is with a simple at-home finger-prick blood test. This will give you a clear picture of your Vitamin D status, which is crucial for deciding if you need a supplement — and what dose is right for you.

In my clinic, I often see people with low or borderline Vitamin D, especially during the winter. But I also see clients who have been self-supplementing with high doses long-term without testing, which can lead to toxicity over time. Like most nutrients, balance is key.

Final Thoughts

Vitamin D is more than just an immune support vitamin — it plays a critical role in skin health and inflammation. If you’re dealing with acne, it’s well worth checking your levels as part of a broader skin support plan. You can read more about acne in my root causes blog post, and why balancing blood sugar is key for clear skin post.

If you’d like a personalised nutrition plan to support your skin, including testing your Vitamin D levels, I’d love to help. Get in touch to book a consultation.

 

📚 References:
J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021; 20(12):3802–3807. doi:10.1111/jocd.14057

PLoS One. 2016;11(8):e0161162. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0161162