Dry skin can be caused by a number of factors, including dehydration, aging, seasonal changes, allergies, and micronutrient deficiencies.
Depending on the cause of your dry skin, different treatment methods — including medicated ointments and moisturisers — may be used to increase skin hydration.
Additionally, lifestyle modifications, such as drinking more water and taking certain supplements, may improve skin dryness.
Here are 8 vitamins and supplements for dry skin.
1. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat‑soluble vitamin that’s critical for many aspects of health, including the health of your skin.
Keratinocytes — the main cells in the epidermis — are the only cells in your body that can form vitamin D from its precursor 7‑DHC and convert it into a usable form.
Vitamin D plays an integral role in skin barrier function, skin cell growth, and maintaining the skin immune system.
Low vitamin D levels are associated with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, both of which can cause dry skin.
Vitamin D supplements have been shown to improve symptoms of dry, itchy skin and increase skin moisture.
Research also shows a correlation between vitamin D levels and skin hydration — higher vitamin D levels are linked to higher moisture content.
A 12‑week study found that daily supplementation with 600 IU of vitamin D significantly improved skin hydration.
Given that many people are deficient in vitamin D, supplementing may help combat dry skin.
2. Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and accounts for 75% of your skin’s dry weight.
Collagen supplements may decrease wrinkle depth and increase skin hydration.
A study in 69 women found that consuming 2.5–5 g of collagen per day for 8 weeks significantly improved skin elasticity and hydration.
A 2019 review of 11 studies concluded that taking 2.5–10 g of collagen per day for 4–24 weeks increased skin hydration and improved xerosis (dry skin).
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and essential for collagen production, making it vital for skin health.
The skin contains high concentrations of vitamin C — up to 64 mg per 100 g of epidermal tissue.
Supplementing with vitamin C may improve skin hydration and overall skin health.
Some studies show vitamin C may enhance skin barrier function and reduce water loss.
When combined with other nutrients, vitamin C may further improve skin moisture.
For example, a 6‑month study in 47 men found that a supplement containing vitamin C and marine protein significantly improved skin hydration.
Other studies in women show similar results.
