What Does Vitamin E Do for Your Skin?
Vitamin E, also known as tocopherol, is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is available in the form of capsules and oil. It is commonly found in face and body sera, moisturizers, and treatments as an added moisture barrier defense.
Tocopherols are the most abundant and commonly found in skincare products among the eight different forms of vitamin E.
The health benefits of vitamin E on the skin depend on three properties that include:
Antioxidant properties
- Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. It may help postpone the onset of skin aging if used regularly.
- Free radicals, which can range from ultraviolet (UV) rays to environmental stressors such as smoke and pollution, can damage skin cells and hasten the aging process. Because vitamin E is fat-soluble, it can penetrate your skin to strengthen the outer protective barrier and protect your skin from harm.
- Vitamin E's antioxidant properties promote the production of collagen, a structural protein responsible for skin strength and elasticity.
- Vitamin E is frequently combined with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, to maximize skincare benefits. Its UV-blocking abilities are enhanced when combined with vitamin C, which increases absorption.
Moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties
- Vitamin E is known for its moisturizing, nourishing, and soothing properties, which are especially beneficial for sensitive or damaged skin. Vitamin E’s anti-inflammatory properties allow it to soothe irritated skin, deeply nourishing dry skin.
- Several studies have reported that vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties that aid in skin regeneration. Dead cells are replaced by newer, healthier cells, causing your skin to glow from within. It shields your skin from environmental deterioration.
Healing properties
- Vitamin E promotes the healing of acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Because vitamin E affects blood circulation, people who use vitamin E oil or serum topically may notice a difference in the firmness and structure of their skin.
- Because vitamin E acts as an antioxidant within the skin tissue, it is frequently prescribed to help reduce the appearance of scars both before and after surgery. Using a topical form of vitamin E before and after surgery may help wounds heal faster. Vitamin E is required for the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. Both functions are necessary for healing.
- Vitamin E oil has a long history of being a superior healer for common skin ailments such as eczema.
- To prevent and soothe chapped skin, some doctors recommend massaging vitamin E oil into your cuticles and lips.
- Vitamin E applied regularly in a diluted carrier oil may help improve pregnancy stretch marks.
Dermatologists believe that vitamin E is underutilized although it is widely available and provides numerous skin benefits.
If you look at any of the sera or moisturizers in your skincare arsenal, you will most likely find vitamin E in at least one or two of them.
Is vitamin E really safe for my skin?
Vitamin E is generally considered safe and well-tolerated by all skin types.
Skincare experts praise the virtues of vitamin E oil, but they do so with caution:
- Vitamin E is always a tricky ingredient to use; it's an excellent antioxidant, but if you're prone to breakouts, it may aggravate them.
- Vitamin E may occasionally cause an allergic reaction in people with sensitive skin.
- People who experience itching, burning, or redness while using topical vitamin E should stop using it and contact their healthcare provider.
Solutions for vitamin E side effects:
- Because the oil is thick and greasy, it is best used before going to bed, possibly in place of a night cream or moisturizer.
- To reap the benefits without clogging pores, choose a lighter moisturizer containing vitamin E.
- People with sensitive skin may want to perform a patch test before trying out a new product in case of side effects.
What is the right percentage of vitamin E that one should look for in a cream?
Anything between 0.5 and 1 percent by weight is sufficient for daily moisturizing and antioxidant needs.
- It is preferable to have it above one percent for antiaging benefits.
- Studies have reported that even a 0.1 percent concentration of vitamin E in skincare products is readily absorbed and useful as an antioxidant.
Vitamin E occurs naturally in a wide variety of foods, making it relatively easy to obtain through your regular diet, which includes:
- Avocados
- Almonds
- Sweet potatoes
- Sunflower seeds
- Whole grains
- Trout
- Olive oil
- Spinach
Moreover, it’s found in various fortified cereals. Of course, you can take it as a supplement and apply it topically through creams.