Dry, dull skin? It might be more than weather. Is your dry skin vitamin deficient? Explore how low vitamin D affects your glow and how to fix it naturally.

Is Your Skin Vitamin Deficient?

We’ve all experienced it, tight, flaky skin after a shower, itchy patches on the legs in winter, or dry skin on the feet that won’t go away no matter how much lotion you use.  Dryness isn’t just uncomfortable, it can have an affect on confidence, self-esteem, sleep, and your overall quality of life.

But what if persistent dry skin isn’t just about your environment or products you use?  What if it’s your body signalling a vitamin deficiency?

The skin is the body’s largest organ, and it reflects what is happening inside.  Understanding the relationship between nutrition and skin health can help us tackle dryness from the root and not just mask the symptoms.

Best Vitamins for Dry Skin

Your skin cells renew itself every 28-40 days.  That’s a lot of work, and so our skin depends on a steady supply of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids to help it flourish during this process.

• Vitamin A helps to regulate skin cell turnover.  A lack of it may lead to rough, scaly patches on skin.
• The Hidden Connection
• Vitamin C is key for collagen production.  Without it, skin can appear dull, dehydrated, and more prone to damage.
• Vitamin D plays the role of skin barrier function and immune defence.  Deficiency has been linked to eczema and chronic dryness.

• Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant that protects against free radicals and supports skin repair.

• B Vitamins (B2, B3, B7, B12) help regulate oil production, hydration, and skin tone.  A lack can result in dryness, cracking, and irritation.

• Essential fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6) are not vitamins but are vital.  They keep skin flexible, hydrated, and less inflamed.

When these nutrients are missing or not producing enough in our bodies, no amount of synthetic creams or lotions can fully resolve dryness.  The skin barrier itself can be compromised, leaving it vulnerable to dryness and irritation.

The Hidden Connection

Science keeps on reminding us that what we eat and absorb directly shows up on our skin, and it’s true.

A 2025 review, found that vitamin D plays a crucial role in calming inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and maintaining the skin’s barrier. These three key factors protect against dryness and visible signs of aging.

Meanwhile, a 2024 meta-analysis showed that people with low levels of vitamin D experienced more irritation, itching, and dryness and that supplementation improved overall skin comfort and hydration.

In simple terms, when vitamin D levels drop, your skin can’t retain moisture or protect itself as efficiently. Keeping your vitamin D levels healthy, through sunshine, a balanced diet, or supplementation, can help support your skin from within.  Pair that with a deeply hydrating body butter like SOLEILRA’s  Hydrate & Nourish blend, and you’ve got both the inner and outer glow your skin’s been craving. 

Signs Your Skin May Be Deficient

Not all dry skin equals deficiency, but here are some tell-tale signs:

• Dry skin on legs even after applying moisturiser.
• Dry, cracked feet or heels that worsen in winter.
• Dry skin on your eyelids that sting, flake, or redden.
• Persistent dry skin and itching with no relief from over-the-counter products.
• Fatigue, brittle nails, hair shedding, or frequent illness can also be possible signs of a vitamin deficiency.

Though we are not health professionals and don’t claim to give any medical advice.  If you notice multiple symptoms together,  SOLEILRA would advise you to seek professional medical advice.

Skin Nutrition and Hydration

Nourish from within

• Eat a rainbow diet consisting of dark leafy green (Vitamin A & C), citrus fruits (vitamin C), nuts and seeds (Vitamin E, zinc), oily fish (omega-3).
• Consider supplements if your GP advises, especially vitamin D in autumn and winter in the UK, where deficiency is common.  Public Health England reports that around 1 in 6 adults are deficient in vitamin D during winter.

Protect and Hydrate from the Outside

Even with the right nutrition, the skin barrier needs external support.  Think of it like watering a plant and also nourishing the soil.

• Choose a dry skin moisturiser rich in natural butters and oils.  Ingredients like shea butter, mango butter, and jojoba oil mimic the skin’s natural lipids.

• Avoid harsh chemicals like phenoxyethanol, parabens and SLS which strip moisture further.

• Focus on non-comedogenic formulas that hydrate without clogging pores.

At SOLEILRA you can trust what you put on your skin. We only use clean soil associated with ethically sourced ingredients. Our butters provide that protective barrier that locks in hydration, supporting your skin’s healing process while diet restores balance from within.

Practical Tips to Manage Dry Skin Daily

For Dry Skin on Legs

• Use lukewarm water in showers (hot water strips your body’s natural oils).
• Pat skin dry, don’t rub.
• Apply body butter within 2 minutes of stepping out of the shower to “lock in moisture.  

Tip: Keep your body butter in the bathroom cabinet, so you can simplify your skincare routine and make it into your skincare ritual. Nourish your skin as soon as you step out of the shower.

For Dry Skin Feet

• Exfoliate gently once a week with a natural scrub.
• Moisturise before bed and wear natural cotton socks overnight for maximum absorption.  

For Dry Skin Eyelids

• Avoid fragranced creams near the eyes.
• Use natural oils like jojoba or rosehip for gentle hydration.
• Check iron and B vitamin levels if dryness persists.

For Dry Skin with Itching

• Keep a food diary, sometimes low zinc or omega-3 intake worsens itching.
• Apply moisturiser with calming ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera.
• Stay hydrated and aim for 1.5 – 2 litres of water daily.

Vitamin D for Skin Health

Dry skin is not rare, in fact it affects up to 50% of adults worldwide.  In the UK alone 1 in 3 people experience moderate to severe dry skin issues during winter.

What’s more, a 2022 report revealed that around 63% of consumers now prefer natural moisturisers free from harsh chemicals, proving people are looking for healthier ways to treat their skin.

Caring for your skin isn’t just a task, it’s about health, self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing.  When you feel good in your skin everyone can see your glow.

Natural Skincare for Vitamin D Deficiency

If you’re struggling with dry skin on your legs, eyelids, or constant itching, it might be more than just your environment.  Vitamin D deficiencies can weaken the skin barrier, leaving you vulnerable to irritation and dehydration.

The good news?  With a nutrient-rich diet and the right dry skin moisturiser, your skin can recover its natural softness and resilience.

At SOLEILRA, we believe that skincare should be simple, effective, and natural.  That’s why Hydrate & Nourish Face and Body butter is made with organic plant-powered ingredients to support your skin in the most gentle way.

Ready to give your skin the nourishment it deserves?  Join the Glow & Nourish Club for tips, community stories, and early access to new formulations.  Share your journey with us on Instagram using #GlowWithSoleilra.  We’d love to celebrate your progress together.

Though we are not health professionals and don’t claim to give any medical advice. SOLEILRA would advise you to seek professional medical advice if your experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this blog.