Vitamin E for skin: Everything you need to know (Updated 2023)
Nutrient-rich foods are the best source of vitamins, but vitamin supplements and topical products that contain it can also be beneficial.
One example of a well-known vitamin is vitamin e, of which there are many myths about its use in everyday life and, above all, on the skin. The beneficial ingredient like that, has long been present in skincare products and promises moisturizing, antioxidant and protective benefits. But what does it actually do? Is vitamin E really beneficial to skin health, or is it just a marketing strategy?
What is vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble essential nutrient, also known as tocopherol or tocotrienol, that has mainly antioxidant properties. There are eight types of vitamin E, with γ-tocopherol being the most abundant tocopherol in the diet, while α-tocopherol is the most abundant vitamin E derivative in the human body.
Vitamin E is synthesized by plants and must be obtained from food sources. The richest sources are:
- Almond
- Wheat germ
- Spinach
- Whole grains
- Olive oil
- Sunflower seeds and oil
How vitamin E benefits skin
Vitamin E supports the immune system, cell function and skin health and care. As it has a high antioxidant power, effectively fights the effects of free radicals produced by food metabolism and toxins in the environment.
Our skin already secretes alpha-tocopherol on its own, but the amount that is secreted decline with age, making it necessary to provide vitamin E to our skin in order to protect it. So, Applying vitamin E cosmetics such as oils, serums or creams can have the following benefits for the skin:
- Antioxidant effect: Vitamin E also provides antioxidant benefits: it helps neutralize harmful free radicals and, due to its antioxidant effects, can prevent sebum (oil) oxidation which turns dark and causes the formation of blackheads.
- Protect you from the sun: This ingredient has photo-protective purposes, that can protect you from de UV rays from sunlight.
- Protects lipid barrier: Thanks to the fluidity it brings to the lipids of our skin, it prevents the appearance of small fissures that cause water loss.
- Keeps skin moist: allows moisture to be retained in a lasting way between the cells of the dermis.
- Soothes skin: the ingredient works to smooth your skin and make it feel comfortable and prevents other substances from penetrating the skin and causing irritation.
How to use vitamin E for skin health
If you are reading this, you should know that even if the products are dermatologically tested, you must use them properly. Don't get carried away by the viral trends that appear on Tik tok or Instagram, where some people try putting very concentrated or pure products on their face, putting the health of their skin at risk.
In this case, applying a large amount of vitamin E to the face in pure form (which would be the equivalent of opening a capsule and applying it to your face) is not recommended, as it could clog your pores.
Current cosmetics such as serums and moisturizers have an adequate concentration of vitamin E, however, it is sometimes difficult to know the exact amount just by looking at the label. Finding the product that suits your skin's needs is a matter of trial and error. That's why doing a patch test can help you select the right cosmetic for you.
With the patch test you can check if the cosmetic suits you, if you get any kind of lesions, such as redness or flaking, indicating that this product is not good for you. Another option is to ask your trusted dermatologist if he/she knows or has tested the product you are interested in, I am sure he/she will be able to advise you!
Side effects of vitamin E
When used in its pure form or in an improper concentration and applied directly to the skin, vitamin E may cause dermatitis-type reactions. Especially when applied to the area around the eyes, which, as we know, is an even more sensitive area.
On the other hand, if you have oily skin or for those who are prone to acne and breakouts, we do not recommend the use of this ingredient in your products, as it can clog your pores. If that is your case, you don’t need extra vitamin E. You’re getting enough in your sebum production.
Vitamin E and skincare
As you may have seen in this blog, including a vitamin E product in your skincare routine can be very beneficial. Depending on the type of skin you have, some products will be more suitable than others. Vitamin E is recommended for normal and dry skin.
Another thing to keep in mind is the use of SPF. Although this vitamin can protect you from the sun, it does not mean that you should avoid applying another sunscreen product. So when you apply vitamin E in your daily routine, remember to always apply your favorite sunscreen at the end. This will protect you twice as much from sun damage, and you will get all the benefits associated with this wonderful ingredient.
To incorporate it into your skincare routine, look for products that contain vitamin E. Labels usually indicate it as tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate. Moisturizers that contain vitamin C and E are even better, because these antioxidants work synergically together.
Other vitamins for skin
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Retinol is one of the most recommended anti-aging ingredients by dermatologists. It complements the skin's surface renewal process to minimize the appearance of age spots, to improve skin texture and to help prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C neutralizes free radicals that cause oxidative stress in the skin and lead to premature skin aging. It is also essential for the production of collagen in skin cells, which helps maintain skin structure and delay the signs of aging.
Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide)
Niacinamide has a lot of benefits: it calms redness, regulates oil production, improves the skin's barrier function, is a depigmenting and antioxidant and reduces wrinkles. In addition, its great advantage is that it is compatible with almost all skins.
If you are interested in finding out which combination of these vitamins is perfect for your skin, try the Lesielle test: it will help you discover your skin type, in case you don't quite know what it is, and recommend the best treatment for your needs.
FAQ's
How much vitamin e per day?
The amount of vitamin E a person needs depends on age. Adults should stick to the recommended dietary allowance of 15 milligrams a day. Breastfeeding women need about 19 milligrams. Babies, infants, and children need less vitamin E in their daily diet.
Why vitamin e is important?
The body also needs vitamin E to strengthen its immune system and prevent invading bacteria and viruses. It helps to dilate blood vessels and prevent blood clotting in them. In addition, cells use vitamin E to interact with each other and perform many important functions.
Will vitamin e help dry skin?
Yes, vitamin E serums and creams with an appropriate concentration can help to deeply moisturise your dry skin, in addition to other benefits.
What vitamin e oil good for?
Vitamin E oil works as a moisturizing agent when applied topically, and it may be helpful as an antioxidant when taken orally.
References
https://journals.lww.com/idoj/Fulltext/2016/07040/Vitamin_E_in_dermatology.18.aspx
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/4/403
