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.
Although vitamin D is essential for skin health, its primary role is the promotion of melanin formation, which may cause more skin darkening.
The mean serum vitamin D concentration was 26.1 ng/mL in vitamin D–sufficient women and 10.5 ng/mL in women with deficiency. Light skin color was reported by 88% of the women with sufficient vitamin D levels and by 66.6% with vitamin D deficiency.
4) Does vitamin D brighten skin? A. The cholesterol in your skin converts to vitamin D when it absorbs sunlight, and further helps make your skin and cells healthy and happy. This way, vitamin D helps in determining your skin tone and in turn, make it radiant and bright when exposed correctly.
Vitamin D is known to enhance the rate of melanin synthesis; and this may concurrently regulate the expression of furin expression. In silico analyses have revealed that the intermediates of melanin are capable of binding strongly with the active site of furin protease.
The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. Vitamin D toxicity might progress to bone pain and kidney problems, such as the formation of calcium stones.
Often called the 'sunshine vitamin', vitamin D plays an integral role in skin protection and rejuvenation. In its active form as calcitriol, vitamin D contributes to skin cell growth, repair, and metabolism. It enhances the skin's immune system and helps to destroy free radicals that can cause premature ageing.
Vitamin D affects the proliferation and differentiation of the skin either directly or through its interaction with calcium. Many in vitro studies have shown a dose-dependent effect of vitamin D on keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation.
Compared to people with lighter skin, Black people have more melanin in their skin, which affects the body's ability to synthesize vitamin D. Vitamin D is important to the health of every system in the body, and yet many people do not get the recommended amount.
If you have dark skin – for example you have an African, African-Caribbean or south Asian background – you may also not make enough vitamin D from sunlight. You should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D throughout the year.
Dermatology.
Long-term use of high dose vitamin D supplements may cause adverse side effects, such as dehydration, nausea, vomiting, cardiovascular problems, and confusion. The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that toxicity is unlikely on a daily dose of 250 microgram (mcg) or less.
Vitamin C aids in the whitening process by priming the skin cells and making them more susceptible to the effects of Glutathione. Additionally, research suggests that Vitamin C itself may possess some whitening and brightening properties.
Long-term side effects
Taking too much colecalciferol over a long period of time can cause a skin rash. It can also cause high levels of calcium. Too much calcium in your body (hypercalcaemia) can cause stomach pain, weaken your bones and damage your kidneys and heart.
Serious side effects of Vitamin D3
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Vitamin D affects the health of many parts of the body, including the skin and hair. Vitamin D plays a role in the creation of new hair follicles. Hair follicles are the tiny pores from which new hairs grow. New follicles may help hair maintain thickness and prevent existing hair from falling out prematurely.
Some believe that the deficiency of vitamin D could cause melasma but there are no reports of vitamin D deficiency being associated with this skin condition.
How Long Does It Take for Vitamin D to Work? If you have a vitamin D deficiency, you may notice improvements within 4-6 weeks of consistent supplementation. However, that timeframe can vary depending on what your baseline vitamin D levels are.
Many women complain of skin darkening after applying Vitamin C serum. It is probably because they fail to layer it with a hydrating moisturizer. Leaving the serum alone on the face allows it to react with the oxygen present in the air.
You can use topical products to lighten your skin. These products reduce melanin and are commercially available. Prescription or over-the-counter skin lightening products often have the following ingredients: hydroquinone, kojic acid, vitamin C, glycolic acid, azelaic acid, retinoid.
Therefore, conditions that affect the gut and digestion, like celiac disease, chronic pancreatitis, Crohn's disease, and cystic fibrosis, can reduce vitamin D absorption.