Vitamin deficiency causes your little one's skin to become dry

As your little one gets older, their skin texture will naturally change and will not remain as moist as when they were babies. Dry skin conditions can affect your little one's appearance, comfort, and confidence when interacting with the environment.
This condition can be a signal that they need more attention to nutritional intake, especially vitamins A and D. Mothers need to know more about how these two vitamins play a role in maintaining soft and healthy skin, as well as how to ensure that your little one gets the nutrients they need.
The Role of Vitamins in Preventing Dry Skin
The following are the roles of both vitamins A and D that can help maintain your little one's skin health.
Vitamin A for Repairing Damaged Skin Tissue
Vitamin A or what is known as retinol, consists of retinoids and beta carotene. Its function is to stimulate the production of new skin cells and help repair damaged tissue. This regeneration process supports the skin to remain soft and smooth. Retinol also helps maintain the skin's protective layer (dermis), thereby reducing the skin from losing excess water and preventing the skin from becoming dry.
Research from Brawijaya University found that vitamin A not only supports cell regeneration, but also functions as an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals.
Vitamin D to Strengthen the Skin's Protective Layer
Vitamin D or calciferol also plays an important role in maintaining the health of your little one's skin by supporting the growth and repair of skin cells, as well as strengthening their immune system. This function helps protect their skin from infection and inflammation that can worsen dry skin conditions.
A study from the National Library of Medicine revealed that vitamin D strengthens the skin's protective layer, prevents fluid loss, and reduces the risk of irritation. The combination of these two vitamins strengthens the skin barrier or the skin's natural protective layer, which helps maintain the moisture of your little one's skin. Well-hydrated skin will feel softer, so that your little one can continue to be active without feeling uncomfortable due to dryness.
How to Meet the Vitamin Needs for Your Little One's Skin
Skin care products containing vitamins A and D are one solution in maintaining the health of your little one's skin. Using a moisturizer specifically for children can help strengthen the skin's natural protective layer and support overall skin moisture.
Regular use is highly recommended, especially during the dry season or cold air which makes the skin more vulnerable. Before starting use, mothers should consult a doctor to ensure the suitability of the product for their little one's skin condition.
In addition to care products, meeting NUTRITIONAL needs through daily food is also essential in maintaining the health of your little one's skin. Green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale, mustard greens, long beans, and lettuce, as well as carrots, pumpkin, eggs, and fish are good sources of vitamins A and D.
This food intake not only supports skin moisture, but also provides the nutrients needed to support overall body growth and development. To complete it, mothers can provide growth milk that is rich in vitamins A and D. Come on, find out the following recommendations: Growth Milk Rich in Nutrition for Your Little One.
References:
American Academy of Dermatology Association. Dry skin: Signs and symptoms. Accessed October 02, 2024. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/dry-skin-symptoms.
National Library of Medicine. Vitamin D and the skin: Physiology and pathophysiology. Accessed 15 October 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3687803/
Universitas Brawijaya. The Role of Vitamin A in Skin. Accessed 15 October 2024. https://jdva.ub.ac.id/index.php/jdva/article/view/19