Antioxidant Vitamin E
When it comes to skincare, we often hear about the magical properties of vitamins, minerals, and botanicals. Vitamin E is one of those names that frequently pops up, and some even take it as a supplement. But what's the real deal with vitamin E for skin health? Let's dive into the facts.
Vitamin E And Its Role In Skin Health
Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, acts as a powerful antioxidant that safeguards your cells from damage throughout your body. It's a crucial component of our sebum (skin oil), forming a natural barrier to lock in skin moisture. Interestingly, oilier skin areas, like the face, boast higher vitamin E levels. However, as we age, both sebum and vitamin E levels decline. Additionally, ultraviolet light sources, such as sunlight and tanning beds, deplete vitamin E.
The Benefits Of Vitamin E For Your Skin
The research on vitamin E's skin benefits is ongoing, but here's what we know so far:
Moisturize: Vitamin E makes moisturizers more effective by preventing moisture loss, protecting cells, and softening the skin. While its effects are subtle, it aids in general skin aging and moisture retention.
Reduce Sun Damage: Vitamin E may reduce sun damage by absorbing UVB rays and curbing your skin's inflammatory response, which includes swelling, redness, and thickening. However, it's not a substitute for sunscreen, as it doesn't protect against UVA light, which is linked to sunburns and skin cancer.
How To Use Vitamin E For Skin Health
Pure Vitamin E Oil
For dry, flaky skin, applying pure vitamin E oil can enhance moisturization. It penetrates the skin's surface, safeguarding the top and middle layers. However, if you have oily, acne-prone skin, you already produce sufficient vitamin E through sebum.
Vitamin E-Rich Foods
To boost your skin health from within, consider incorporating these vitamin E-rich foods into your diet: Wheat germ oil, Sunflower seeds and oil, Almonds, Safflower oil, Hazelnuts, Peanuts and peanut butter, Corn oi, Spinach, Broccoli, Soybean oil, Kiwifruit, Mango, Tomato.
Pairing Vitamin E With Other Skincare Ingredients
For maximum skincare benefits, consider combining vitamin E with other ingredients like Antioxidant Vitamin C, Ceramides, Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol, Supplements like copper, folic acid, and zinc.
References:
Michels, A. J. (2012, February). Vitamin E and Skin Health. Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. Reviewed by Maret G. Traber, Ph.D. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-E
Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Vitamin E: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/#h3
Vitamin E for Skin: What Does It Do? (2022, February 24). Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/vitamin-e-for-skin-health/
