The Role of Vitamin D in Acne Vulgaris: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Advances

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological condition affecting millions worldwide, particularly adolescents and young adults. Recent research suggests a potential link between vitamin D levels and acne severity, highlighting the role of vitamin D in immune regulation and inflammation. This review analyzes studies published from 2020 onward, focusing on the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and acne, as well as the therapeutic potential of vitamin D supplementation. A systematic search on PubMed identified 10 significant studies, including 7 original research articles and 3 systematic reviews or meta-analyses. The findings indicate a notable prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among acne patients, with several studies showing significantly lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, clinical trials demonstrated that topical vitamin D can effectively reduce inflammatory markers, suggesting its therapeutic potential. Despite these findings, the relationship between vitamin D levels and acne severity is complex, with some studies showing no significant correlation. This inconsistency underscores the need for further investigation into the mechanisms linking vitamin D deficiency to acne. Overall, this review emphasizes the potential of vitamin D as a therapeutic target in acne management and calls for more robust studies to clarify its role in mitigating acne-related inflammation and improving patient outcomes.

Keywords

• acne vulgaris
• vitamin D deficiency
• IL-1β
• acne severity