Known as the "sunshine vitamin," Vitamin D is essential to healthy skin, but one aspect of vitamin D's association with skin cancer is somewhat intriguing. Although some level of sun exposure is necessary for your body to make vitamin D naturally, it's informative to understand the balance of these benefits with the increased risk of skin cancer due to excessive UV radiation.

Here's how vitamin D supports your skin and how it may impact the risk of skin cancer:

1. Skin Barrier Protection

Vitamin D is useful for the creation and proper functioning of outermost skin layer cells called keratinocytes. It acts as a protective shield against excessive loss of water; otherwise, the body would become too dry, and it protects the body from harmful environmental pollutants and pathogens.

It obviously helps minimize risks of catching infections and eczema or psoriasis. More importantly, this barrier function is crucial to maintain the integrity of the skin, and thus might lower the risk of developing some types of skin cancers by minimizing damage through environmental stressors.

2. Immune System Modulation

Vitamin D has a critical role in regulating the immune system, which is an important factor for the prevention of skin cancer. The immune system is always on the lookout for abnormal growth of cells or other potentially cancerous changes. Vitamin D enhances the activity of these immune cells: macrophages, monocytes, and T cells; which are essentially required in the body's defense systems.

It enables a potential, proper immune response to identify and destroy precancerous cells prior to full-blown skin cancer like basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.

3. Antimicrobial Activity and Inhibition of Skin Cancers

Vitamin D has antimicrobial effects, contributing to its protection of the skin from infection. Though infections have not traditionally been associated with skin cancer, chronic inflammation and continuous infection resulting from repeated or neglected infections are facilitating to carcinogenesis.

Vitamin D can ensure that the skin is more resistant to chronic inflammation and infection, which could thereby reduce its risk for cancer.

4. Regulation of Sebaceous Gland

Vitamin D controls the functioning of the sebaceous glands because they produce sebum. This biological oil feeds the skin by keeping the skin hydrated and at the same time protects it from environmental factors. Adequate rate of sebum's production, which vitamin D helps maintain, can thus prevent acne and may later cause damage to the skin.

Even though the relationship between vitamin D and acne is complex, keeping in view the general maintenance of skin health by proper oil regulation will prevent the skin from becoming more susceptible to cancerous changes that result from chronic irritation or inflammation.

5. Wound Healing and Skin Cancer Recovery

Vitamin D is crucial for wound healing, an essential element in recovery after injury to the skin, which can include surgical removals of lesions with skin cancer. Vitamin D promotes the expression of cathelicidin, an antimicrobial peptide, which is essential for tissue repair and regeneration of the cutaneous barrier.

Vitamin D status supports the recovery from antitumor therapies, such as surgery or radiation, by enabling rapid skin regeneration and reconstitution.

Ayurvedic Perspective on Vitamin D and Skin Health

In Ayurveda, the vitamin D level is associated with a state of equilibrium of the doshas of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha in the human system. An Ayurvedic concept toward health suggests prevention of diseases by exposing one's body to both natural sunlight and nutritional food containing this utmost requirement.

While it is always stated that the primary source of vitamin D is the sun, Ayurveda advises the taking of foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products so as to complement this natural balance for healthy skin. Ayurvedic practices, for example, also advocate lifestyle changes to achieve optimal vitamin D levels in relation to doshic requirements of an individual, which not only aids general well-being but could reduce the chances of skin diseases such as cancer of skin.

Lifestyle Practices for Optimal Vitamin D Levels and Skin Cancer Prevention

Some of these lifestyle changes to get full benefits from vitamin D while ensuring minimum hazards to the skin or risk of causation of skin cancer include

- Moderate Sun Exposure: This is about 10 to 15 minutes of sun exposure a couple of times a week, not exposing your skin to too much UV radiation that could increase your risk of developing skin cancers. The bottom line is, about striking a balance between getting enough sunlight to stimulate vitamin D production without causing skin cells to break down.

- Vitamin D Rich Diet Intake: Consume vitamin D-rich food. This includes eating salmon, mackerel, and egg yolks and even the various fortified dairy products. All those listed provide help in maintaining the right amount of vitamin D for healthy skin and proper immune actions.

- Supplements When Needed: If you cannot obtain enough vitamin D through your diet or sun exposure, supplements will be necessary. A healthy vitamin D level is important for your overall health and sun defense, especially if you live in an area that does not offer much in the way of direct sun exposure or have diseases that impair the absorption of vitamin D.

- Balancing Sun Exposure with Skin Cancer Prevention: Sunlight is an excellent natural source of vitamin D, but high exposure to UV may increase the chances of skin cancer, specifically melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. The balance has to be achieved in obtaining enough sun for the production of vitamin D without having a lot of risk of UV.

In achieving this goal, one may benefit by sun while simultaneously reducing risk from skin cancer through application of sunscreen, protective clothing, and shaded places during the peak times of sun exposure.

Did you know that among the 6.2 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s disease, nearly two-thirds are women? This means women are almost twice as likely as men to develop the condition. While longer life expectancy partly explains the difference, research shows that hormonal changes after menopause, genetic factors, and certain lifestyle patterns also increase risk.

As a result, understanding the early warning signs and taking preventive steps is especially important for women, who face a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s as they age.

Women and Alzheimer’s: Why The Risk Is Higher

Dr. Brij Lal Choudhary, Consultant Neurologist at Manipal Hospital, Jaipur, points out that Alzheimer’s is often seen as a condition of old age, but women are disproportionately affected. Nearly two-thirds of Alzheimer’s patients are women, making it almost twice as common in women compared to men. While longer life expectancy plays a role, other factors, such as hormonal changes after menopause, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle patterns also increase risk.

Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Women Should Watch

Memory loss: Forgetting recent events, appointments, or familiar names, with lapses gradually worsening.

ALSO READ: Chronic Insomnia Could Increase The Risk Of Dementia By 40%: Study

• Difficulty managing tasks or problem-solving: Struggling with daily responsibilities, finances, or planning may indicate cognitive changes.
• Confusion: Feeling disoriented over simple or familiar activities.
• Mood or personality changes: Sudden anxiety, frequent irritability, or withdrawing from social life.
• Language difficulties: Trouble finding the right words or expressing thoughts clearly.

Increased Risk of Alzheimer's in WomenStudies consistently show that women are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to men. For instance, a Swedish study involving 16,926 participants found that, starting around age 80, women were more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's than men of the same age. Similarly, research in Taiwan indicated that over a seven-year period, women had a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer's compared to men. A European meta-analysis revealed that approximately 13 women out of 1,000 developed Alzheimer's each year, compared to only seven men, as per Harvard Health Publishing.

ALSO READ: CDC Vaccine Panel Updates COVID-19 Guidelines: What You Need To Know

While the longer life expectancy of women contributes to this disparity, it doesn't fully explain the difference. Even among individuals of the same age, women are more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's than men. This suggests that factors beyond longevity, such as hormonal changes, genetic predispositions, and immune system differences, may play significant roles in the increased risk for women.

How to Reduce Risk and Protect Cognitive HealthAlthough Alzheimer’s cannot be reversed, several steps can help lower risk and support brain health:

• Regular cognitive screenings to monitor changes over time.
• Mental stimulation through reading, puzzles, or learning new skills.
• Physical exercise to improve blood flow and overall health.
• Managing blood pressure and blood sugar to reduce vascular-related risks.

We all experience occasional forgetfulness or feel a bit scatterbrained from time to time, often attributing it to stress, a busy lifestyle, or simply getting older. However, repeated lapses in memory, confusion, or difficulty performing everyday tasks can sometimes signal the early stages of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Recognising these warning signs early is crucial, as timely awareness and intervention can help manage the condition more effectively and improve quality of life.

As we observe World Alzheimer’s Day 2025, it’s the perfect moment to learn about Alzheimer’s, understand its early indicators, and know what experts recommend paying attention to.

What Is Alzheimer’s?

ALSO READ: Chronic Insomnia Could Increase The Risk Of Dementia By 40%: Study

For most people, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s, according to the National Institute on Aging. Current estimates indicate that over 6 million Americans aged 65 and older may be living with Alzheimer’s. Age remains the greatest known risk factor, and with the population aging, the number of cases is expected to rise.

Stages of Alzheimer’sAlzheimer’s disease progresses gradually, with symptoms worsening over time. It is generally divided into three stages: early (mild), middle (moderate), and late (severe). In the early stage, memory lapses and confusion begin to interfere with daily life. During the middle stage, challenges with language, reasoning, and daily activities become more pronounced. In the late stage, individuals may lose the ability to communicate, require full-time care, and become highly dependent on others. Understanding the stages helps families and caregivers plan support and interventions more effectively.

Alzheimer’s vs Dementia

Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

• Persistent Memory Loss: Forgetting recent conversations, events, or important dates more often than usual, affecting daily life.
• Difficulty in Planning or Problem-Solving: Challenges with tasks like handling finances, following recipes, or keeping track of everyday responsibilities.
• Impairment of Spatial Memory: Forgetting familiar routes or even one’s way back home.
• Changes in Mood or Personality: Increased irritability, withdrawal from social activities, or unexpected anxiety and depression.

Morning sickness is often treated as just an unpleasant part of early pregnancy, but for some women, the nausea and vomiting can be severe and relentless. A recent study suggests that this extreme form of morning sickness, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, may also affect mental health. Women experiencing it are at a higher risk of anxiety, depression, and stress-related challenges, making it important to recognise the emotional impact alongside the physical symptoms.

Severe Morning Sickness and Mental Health: What the Study Found

A large study conducted by researchers from King’s College London and the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust examined the mental health impact of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a severe form of morning sickness. The study analyzed data from 476,857 pregnant women across 135 healthcare providers worldwide using the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network, which collects anonymized electronic health records from 18 countries. This research is the first to explore a broad range of neuropsychiatric outcomes in women with HG.

What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

HG affects up to 3.6% of pregnancies and is the leading cause of hospitalization during the first trimester. Women with HG experience persistent, severe nausea and vomiting, often resulting in dehydration, weight loss, and malnutrition. The condition can cause anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty about coping with pregnancy. In severe cases, women have reported considering termination of pregnancy due to the physical and emotional toll.

Maternal risk factors include biological issues such as thyroid disorders, Type 1 diabetes, and past pregnancy complications, as well as socioeconomic and ethnic factors. Research also points to sensitivity to the hormone GDF-15 as a potential driver.

The Link Between Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Mental Health

The study looked at 24 neuropsychiatric and mental health outcomes within a year of HG diagnosis. Findings included:

• 50% increased risk in 13 conditions, including postpartum psychosis and PTSD.
• Doubled risk for Wernicke’s encephalopathy, refeeding syndrome, eating disorders, and depression.
• Postpartum depression was 2.7 times more likely among women with HG.

Why Integrated Care Matters

Dr. Thomas Pollak, consultant neuropsychiatrist and senior author, noted that there has historically been a disconnect between how doctors view HG and how women experience it. The study shows that HG can be linked to severe psychiatric disorders, which require early recognition and coordinated physical and mental healthcare from the start of pregnancy.

ALSO READ: US Health Officials To Examine Covid Vaccine Effects In Pregnant Women And Kids

This research highlights that mental health support is crucial, even if HG seems physically mild, and that women with HG should have access to integrated care to ensure their wellbeing and safety for both mother and child.