D-ficient?
Winter can mean less sunshine and less Vitamin D…. an essential vitamin for optimum health.
Why Do We Need Vitamin D?
Brimming with many important functions, Vitamin D regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphorous and promotes a normal immune system function. We need Vitamin D for normal growth, development of bones and teeth as well as an improved resistance against certain diseases such as MS, heart disease and certain cancers.
Skin Health and Vitamin D
The skin is a crucial entry point to get Vitamin D to where it needs to go in the body and it can have a huge impact on the health of the skin itself. Having sufficient vitamin D in the skin helps minimise acne, boost elasticity, stimulate collagen production, enhance radiance, and lessen lines and the appearance of dark spots.
Vital as it is, many of us are not getting anywhere near enough Vitamin D and this can lead to muscle or joint pain and weakness, fatigue and depression. The body produces vitamin D naturally through direct exposure to sunlight…something we have a lot of here in Australia, however working longer hours in offices, living in big cities where buildings block sunlight, pollution and the use of sunscreen all influence our ability to get enough of this essential vitamin.
How To Boost Your Vitamin D
Did you know just 10 minutes a day of midday sun exposure is all you need, especially if you’re fair-skinned? In addition to basking in the sunlight, research suggests we should also be getting Vitamin D from food and supplements to ensure we are truly getting enough.
Very few foods contain Vitamin D naturally. Salmon, sardines, egg yolk and shrimp are a natural source while milk, cereal, yogurt and orange juice are often fortified. Clearly with so few options, it is tricky to get enough Vitamin D every day, so taking a supplement can go a long way.
People over 50 generally need higher amounts of vitamin D as over time the skin’s ability to create the vitamin decreases by up to 75%, leaving us at higher risk of developing Osteoporisis. Upping your intake of Vitamin D, no matter your age, will undoubtedly boost your body’s ability to stay healthy and strong.
Now that has to be something we all strive for.
For all your Anti-Ageing, Rejuvenating Skincare solutions, visit a Salon Near You