Daily Doses of Vitamin D May Provide Relief for People Who Suffer From Winter-related Dry Skin

With winter on its way, many people are starting to think about methods to protect their skin from the cold, dry air this season. A new study shows that vitamin D might be the answer for people who suffer from extreme cases of dry skin.

A recent study by Massachusetts General Hospital and the National Dermatology Center in Mongolia revealed that daily doses of vitamin D can relieve the symptoms of dry, itchy skin in people who suffer from winter-related atopic dermatitis.

Researchers from the hospital studied 100 children between the ages of two and 17 in Mongolia who suffer from this type of eczema and experience more severe symptoms as the weather gets colder and drier. The subjects were divided into two groups: one who received 1000 IU of vitamin D each day, and one who received a placebo each day. The children’s skin conditions were assessed after a month of treatment, and researchers found that children who received daily doses of vitamin D experienced a 29% improvement.

“In this large group of patients, who probably had low levels of vitamin D, taking daily vitamin D supplements – which are inexpensive, safe and widely available – proved to be quite helpful,” stated Dr. Carlos Camargo of Massachusetts General Hospital, according to Newsmax Health.

The results of the study are a promising sign for those with winter-related atopic dermatitis. The skin condition is typically treated by exposing skin to ultraviolet light that encourages the growth of vitamin D. This treatment can be expensive, and it is not always readily available. Vitamin D, on the other hand, is a cheap and easily accessible option.

For those with less severe symptoms, dry skin can still be an annoyance during the winter. Other helpful tips for fighting the effects of the cold on skin include staying well-hydrated, taking faster, cooler showers, bundling up outdoors and finding a good moisturizing lotion.

Colder temperatures may be headed our way, but that doesn’t mean that dry skin has to be a problem. Making sure vitamin D levels are in check and following the tips above can prevent skin from becoming dry and itchy this winter.