VITAMIN D IN DERMATOLOGICAL DISEASES: MECHANISMS, CLINICAL EVIDENCE AND THERAPEUTIC PERSPECTIVES

Europäische Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft Home About the Journal Peer Review Editorial Board For Authors Reviewer Recognition Archive Contact Impressum EWG e.V. Elektronische Zeitschriftbibliotek Logo Bielefeld Academic Search Engine Logo Erfolgreich durch internationale Zusammenarbeit Dermatology and aesthetic medicine Cite as: Archiv EuroMedica. 2026. 16; 1. DOI 10.35630/2026/16/Iss.1.023 Received 10 December 2025; Accepted 17 February 2026; Published 22 February 2026 VITAMIN D IN DERMATOLOGICAL DISEASES: MECHANISMS, CLINICAL EVIDENCE AND THERAPEUTIC PERSPECTIVES Olga Wcisłek1 email orcid id logo, Urszula Chmielecka2 orcid id logo, Julia Wendt3 orcid id logo, Dominika Raether3 orcid id logo, Andrzejewski Adam3 orcid id logo, Aleksandra Markuszewska4 orcid id logo, Agnieszka Anna Bugała5 orcid id logo 1F. Raszei Hospital in Poznan, Poland 2Regional Specialist Hospital in Wrocław, Poland 3F. Ceynowa Specialist Hospital in Wejherowo, Poland 4POLIMED Medical Center Ltd. in Tczew, Poland 5Non-public Healthcare Facility No. 1 in Rumia, Poland download article (pdf) olga.wcislek1@gmail.com ABSTRACT Background Vitamin D functions as a prohormone involved in cutaneous homeostasis. The skin is both the site of its synthesis and a target organ for its active metabolites, which influence keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation, and innate immune responses. Experimental and clinical literature suggests that vitamin D related pathways may be relevant to the pathogenesis and clinical course of several dermatological diseases. Aim To present the current state of knowledge regarding the role of vitamin D in dermatology, with particular emphasis on psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD), acne vulgaris, and skin cancers. Methods: This article is a narrative review based on a qualitative synthesis of published literature identified through non systematic searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The review primarily considered publications from 2012 to 2025, with selective inclusion of earlier key studies when necessary to describe fundamental mechanisms of vitamin D synthesis, metabolism, and action in the skin. Included sources comprised experimental studies, clinical observational studies, randomized and non randomized clinical trials, narrative reviews, and meta analyses relevant to vitamin D metabolism, skin physiology, and the selected dermatoses. Results Vitamin D is involved in epidermal differentiation, immune modulation, and antimicrobial peptide production. In psoriasis, topical vitamin D analogues have an established therapeutic role, while studies assessing serum 25(OH)D levels and their association with disease severity report inconsistent findings. In AD, vitamin D is discussed in relation to barrier integrity, antimicrobial defense, and immune regulation, but clinical evidence for supplementation effects remains heterogeneous. In acne vulgaris, mechanistic studies suggest anti inflammatory effects and inhibition of sebocyte proliferation, whereas clinical data are limited. With respect to skin cancer, current evidence does not confirm a protective role of vitamin D in prevention. Conclusions Vitamin D has a multifaceted role in skin physiology, but the strength of clinical evidence varies across diseases. Evidence is strongest for its therapeutic use in psoriasis through topical analogues. For AD and acne, available data remain largely observational or mechanistic and do not justify routine therapeutic recommendations. Assessment of serum 25(OH)D levels and correction of confirmed deficiency may be considered as part of general medical care, but should not replace standard dermatological treatment. Further well designed prospective and randomized studies with clearly defined dermatological endpoints are needed to clarify the clinical relevance of vitamin D beyond psoriasis.