The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].
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.
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.
If a dietary deficiency is the cause of melasma, increasing the intake of the deficient nutrient helps reduce skin pigmentation. Vitamins like B12, A, E, and C and minerals like iron, selenium, and zinc are good for maintaining the overall health of the skin.
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].
Vitamin C serum packs a major punch: It protects the skin against environmental damage and lightens dark patches, the latter being a big reason why three of our experts suggested using it to treat melasma. “I always recommend topical vitamin C, my favorite being SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic,” says Dr.
Vitamin B12 helps to regulate the production of pigment in the skin, helping to prevent dark spots and pigmentation. Vitamin B12 also promotes the growth of healthy skin cells and helps to repair damaged skin. The ultimate reasons for Vitamin B is to balance oil and hydration, repair the barrier and brighten the skin.
Pale or yellowish skin
Having a vitamin B12 deficiency can reveal itself in how your skin color appears. This is because red blood cells are unable to carry necessary oxygen, bringing a pale pallor to the skin. A yellow hue can be due to jaundice, which can be a symptom of a severe lack of vitamin B12.
What causes hyperpigmentation? Skin gets its color from a substance called melanin, which is made by skin cells. When those skin cells are damaged or unhealthy, they can produce too much melanin. The melanin can clump, causing that area to appear darker.
As a result of the deficiency, your skin will start to feel noticeably coarse and dry while also exhibiting symptoms of eczema or dermatitis. Your skin could also be prone to a number of dark spots as a result of increased pigmentation.
If you're lacking in vitamin D, your skin may tell on you. For example, if you're not getting enough vitamin D, your complexion might be dull, lacking that desired glow and you might also experience dry, flaky skin on your face and other areas of your body.
How to raise your B12 levels fast. The most common way to treat B12 deficiencies is by adjusting your diet. If this is unsuccessful, vitamin supplements may be recommended. If you're looking to boost the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, you should eat more animal products, like meat, seafood, dairy and eggs.
Excess B12 is either stored in the liver, present in the blood without any adverse effects, or excreted. There are no studies investigating the potential clinical effects of high B12 because, in general, there are no known adverse effects caused by elevated B12.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): B12 boosts the radiance of dull and mature skin. This B vitamin also helps to diminish the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Expected Duration
With proper treatment, symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency begin to improve within a few days. In vegans and other people whose B12 deficiency is diet-related, oral B12 supplements and a diet designed to increase consumption of vitamin B12 should cure the condition.
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.
There is no one best treatment for melasma
Often, the most effective treatment combines sun protection with medications that you apply to your skin — and sometimes a procedure. If you want to treat melasma, be sure to ask your dermatologist about the cost of treatment.
Hydroquinone is the gold-standard topical treatment for melasma.