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You've probably heard this before, but your body needs vitamin D for healthy skin and bones. Whether winter (or coronavirus quarantine) has you trapped indoors or you're working in an office space with limited natural light, you might be wondering if you're at risk of vitamin D deficiency. And if your levels have fallen low, you may be on the hunt for ways to increase your exposure—if that's through supplements, changing up your diet, or simply opening the windows and curtains while inside.
The Best Derm-Approved Vitamin D Beauty Products
If you're prone to low levels of vitamin D to begin with, being stuck indoors for such an extended period of time with the COVID-19 quarantine might be an issue—just as levels typically fall in the wintertime, says Dr. Nazarian. While topical products wouldn't be your best bet (again, you'd want to discuss oral supplements or a change in diet with your doctor), vitamin D-packed skin-care products still offer big-time benefits when it comes to aging and its effects, she adds. So, check out the expert-picked vitamin D beauty products that'll help protect against skin damage, reduce puffiness or inflammation, and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil (Buy It, $73, amazon.com): “In addition to vitamin D, this product contains soothing natural oils and fatty acids to protect and hydrate the outer skin layer,” says Dr. Zeichner. To use, cleanse the skin and pat dry, and follow up by applying a thin layer of this lightweight oil to your face, neck, and chest.
Mario Badescu Vitamin A-D-E Neck Cream (Buy It, $20, amazon.com): Dr. Nazarian’s pick, this moisturizer combines hydrating hyaluronic acid with cocoa butter and vitamins—including vitamin D—to multitask your anti-aging regimen. While it’s meant for the neck, she points out that your face can also benefit from its powerful formula, since it helps soften and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
One Love Organics Vitamin D Moisture Mist (Buy It, $39, dermstore.com): This mist gets its vitamin D from shiitake mushroom extract, which helps enhance cell turnover, soothe inflammation, boost the skin’s moisture barrier, explains Dr. Zeichner. Spritz once or twice before applying your face oils, serums, and moisturizers, so that they better penetrate the skin.
Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Antipollution Sunshine Serum (Buy It, $36, amazon.com): Delivering a bronzy glow, this serum also protects against pollution and free radicals for more youthful skin. Plus, it contains chronocyclin, a peptide (translation: a type of protein that helps cells communicate and influences gene behavior) that basically mimics the antioxidant benefits of vitamin D. How? It operates similarly to enzymes in the skin that convert sunlight to vitamin D during the day, and then supports cell renewal at night, says Dr. Nazarian.
Herbivore Botanicals Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil (Buy It, $48, herbivorebotanicals.com): This moisturizing oil targets dryness, dullness, and redness, and is safe for all skin types, especially acne-prone. Hemp seed and squalane soften the outer skin layer and fill in cracks between skin cells, while shiitake mushroom extract helps deliver soothing vitamin D, notes Dr. Zeichner.
Zelens Power D High Potency Provitamin D Treatment Drops (Buy It, $152, zestbeauty.com): Dr. Nazarian is also a fan of this serum since it’s lightweight and comes with a dropper for easy application. While the price tag is definitely a splurge, this product plumps skin, protects against free radicals, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
