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How Does Skin Make Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is known as the "Sunshine vitamin," but it's actually not a vitamin at all. Vitamin D is a necessary hormone that is responsible for many important metabolic functions within the body.

  1. How it all works

    • The skin contains provitamin D3, which interacts with ultraviolet-B rays to produce vitamin D3. The liver and kidneys also contribute to further synthesizing the exact vitamin D the body needs.

    Some sun is actually good for you

    • Your skin requires exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays in order to manufacture enough vitamin D. For most healthy individuals, unprotected sun exposure for 20 minutes about 4 days per week is usually plenty of exposure to manufacture adequate levels of vitamin D.

    Tanning bed caution

    • Tanning beds contain UVB rays that help the body synthesize vitamin D. However, it's important to carefully weigh the risks of skin cancer compared to the benefits of vitamin D production. Check with your doctor. Some individuals who have psoriasis or other skin conditions use phototherapy to help their conditions.

    Supplementation

    • It's best to get vitamin D naturally, and the only natural way is via sun exposure. However, it's possible to get some vitamin D through diet, including fortified cereals, bread and milk. Vitamin D supplements are also available over-the-counter, but check with your doctor before deciding what dose to take.

    Warning

    • Check with your doctor or dermatologist before getting unprotected sun exposure. Certain medications can increase risk for photosensitivity.

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