Aging decreases the capacity of human skin to produce vitamin D3

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Updated: Sep 4, 2026

Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation
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Studying Chronic Exposure of Mice to Ultraviolet B Radiation

Published on: August 19, 2025

J MacLaughlin, M F Holick

    The Journal of Clinical Investigation
    |October 1, 1985
    PubMed

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    Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis01:23

    Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis

    The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because it can be synthesized in the skin through a series of chemical reactions triggered by exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation from sunlight.
    The solar UV B rays (290-315 nm) are absorbed by the skin, and 7-dehydrocholesterol (provitamin D3) photolyzes it to previtamin D3, which undergoes a rapid transformation to vitamin D3(cholecalciferol).
    The Effect of Aging on Tissues01:19

    The Effect of Aging on Tissues

    Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
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    Pigmentation

    The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
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    Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives01:14

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    The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
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    Bone Disorders01:29

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    Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at an equal rate to maintain optimal bone health.
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