ERROR:
subscribe to beauty blog via RSSGet Your Vitamin D And Keep Your Skin Protected, Too
October 22, 2009 10:53 am
This column features weekly tips and advice from a revolving cast of industry leaders, on hand to discuss your beauty dilemmas, from blemishes to Botox. To submit a question, e-mail celia_ellenberg@condenast.com.
I’ve heard a lot of talk recently about women not getting enough vitamin D and that this is potentially linked to a reliance on SPF products. Is this true? If so, how can I supplement the vitamin while still protecting my skin from harmful UV rays?
Studies support wearing sunscreen. A true vitamin D deficiency in an active, healthy woman below the age of 75 is unlikely. Despite the hype and misinformation over the years, I do believe you should pay attention to your vitamin D intake. Eat foods rich in vitamin D such as fortified pasta, breads, and orange juice, and those naturally rich in it, such as oily fish like salmon, and nuts. Also, feel free to take a multivitamin that is formulated within reasonable daily intake levels and includes other vitamins and minerals that can enhance absorption, like calcium. Vitamin toxicity incidences have increased since this alleged vitamin D deficiency epidemic has picked up steam. I’ve had patients who have tried megadoses for a few months only to feel worse and switch to a more natural approach: diet and exercise outdoors. You can wear your UV protection and walk to work and be confident you absorbed enough light energy to produce active vitamin D. If you are at all concerned, though, have your vitamin D levels checked at your next doctor’s appointment. Recently, variations between different tests led to different results, and many women were falsely diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. Be sure your tests are done at a well-respected lab and that your doctor trusts their results. Remember, vitamin D and calcium are required for strong bones. But there is absolutely no sense in sacrificing your skin when you have so many safer options. Dermatologists have investigated this issue and recommend women continue using sun protection.
Ellen Marmur, M.D., is the Chief of Dermatologic and Cosmetic Surgery at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. A skin cancer survivor herself, Marmur specializes in skin cancer surgery, cosmetic surgery, and women’s health dermatology. She recently published Simple Skin Beauty, a book that focuses on how to maintain the health and beauty of your skin at every stage of life.
tags: Ellen Marmur, Vitamin D
