Pale Skin
The body produces vitamin D in response to exposure to sunlight. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, ultraviolet rays trigger the production of vitamin D. Once produced, vitamin D travels through the bloodstream and enters the liver, which is converted into a form the body can use.
People with darker skin have more melanin, a pigment that gives skin its color. Melanin also protects the skin from UV damage. Because people with darker skin have more melanin, they require more sun exposure to produce vitamin D than those with lighter skin.
People with vitamin D deficiency often have pale skin because they are not getting enough sun exposure to trigger vitamin D production. In addition, people with dark skin may not be able to produce enough vitamin D even with regular sun exposure because of their higher melanin levels.
In addition to causing pale skin, vitamin D deficiency may also cause vitiligo. Vitiligo is a condition in which patches of skin lose their pigment. People with vitiligo may have light-colored patches on their skin surrounded by normal-colored skin. Vitiligo can be difficult to treat and cosmetically unpleasant for many people.
