Vitamin E For Skin Care: What Are The Potential Benefits And How Do You Use It?

March 17 2021

The beauty industry has a long history of using vitamin E for skin care. Vitamin E skin creams and serums are a classic for a reason. Are you curious about the properties of vitamin E? Read on to learn how this powerful antioxidant could earn a spot in your skincare routine.

What Is Vitamin E?

“Vitamin E” refers to a group of eight different naturally occurring compounds. Of these, alpha-tocopherol is the only one that can be used by the human body. Vitamin E for skin care products usually appears under the names tocopheryl acetate, Vitamin E acetate, and tocopherol.¹

Vitamin E acts as a potent antioxidant in the body. In case you need a refresher: antioxidants support the body’s natural defense against free radicals. Free radicals can induce oxidative stress, which may cause damage to skin and premature aging.^2,3,4,5

How Does Vitamin E Work?

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin. Vitamin E molecules can be absorbed into the skin’s lipid barrier. Once absorbed, vitamin E can support the body’s natural defense against free radicals.⁶

Sources Of Vitamin E

Cruise through most health food stores, and you’ll see plenty of examples of vitamin E on the shelves. In the beauty section, you’ll see Vitamin E serum, cream, and oil that can be applied topically. You can also get your vitamin E intake through food or a vitamin E oral vitamin. When it comes to the health of your skin, try topical vitamin e for the best results.

Topical Vitamin E

Applying vitamin E to the surface of the skin through vitamin E oil, lotions, creams, or serums may be the quickest way to get potential results. Vitamin E skin care products are typically mixed with vitamin C. This blend may help unleash the antioxidant properties.⁷

Food Sources

Vegetable oils, like sunflower, wheat germ, and soybean oil are a good source of vitamin E
Nuts, like peanuts, hazelnuts, and almonds
Seeds, like sunflower seeds
Fruits, such as mangos and avocados
Vegetables, such as red bell pepper, broccoli, and asparagus
Leafy greens, like collard greens and spinach⁸

Vitamin E Supplements

While many people get plenty of vitamin E from their diet, vitamin E supplements are also available. Consult your doctor before taking a new supplement.⁹

Potential Benefits of Vitamin E For The Skin

Once vitamin E is absorbed, it may benefit skin cells in many ways.

The Skin’s Lipid Barrier

Vitamin E skin creams and oils may help support the lipids in your skin. This in turn, may help support your skin’s protective barrier and prevent moisture from escaping.¹⁰

Sun Damage

The topical application of vitamin E may help protect your skin from harmful uv damage. This may help lessen the appearance of dark spots and wrinkles caused by sun exposure. Vitamins E and C are often combined for even more powerful protection against UV rays and photoaging.^11,12

Moisturization

Vitamin E is produced through sebum, an oily substance secreted by the skin’s pores. When in the right balance, sebum helps keep skin moisturized and prevents dryness. If you tend to have dry skin, vitamin E may be a good option.^{13,14,15,16,17}

Fine Lines And Wrinkles

Vitamin E acts by smoothing the skin and helping the stratum corneum (the outer layer of the skin) maintain its moisture. These moisturizing properties may help prevent the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.^18,19,20

Vitamin E For Healthy Skin

Your body works hard to constantly fend off damage from pollutants and other stressors. Applying an antioxidant like vitamin E may help give your body a hand – and your complexion a boost. Just make sure to first do a patch test, and consult your doctor before starting a new skin care routine.^21,22

Learn More:
How To Safely Get Vitamin D From The Sun
Are Vitamins Good For Skin Care? Do They Really Work?
The 6 Best Vitamins to Help You Get Glowing Skin

Sources
1. https://www.allure.com/story/vitamin-e-skin-care
2. https://www.livescience.com/54901-free-radicals.html
3. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/
4. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-Consumer/
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3997530/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15608499/
7. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/a27532030/vitamin-e-for-skin-benefits-products/
8. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-e/
9. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288873527_Effects_of_oral_vitamin_E_on_treatment_of_atopic_dermatitis_A_randomized_controlled_trial
10. https://www.byrdie.com/vitamin-e-oil-uses
11. https://www.healthline.com/health/4-best-vitamins-for-skin#vitamin-e
12. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-18924-4
13. https://www.healthline.com/health/4-best-vitamins-for-skin#vitamin-e
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/
15.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4755091/
16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9731960/
17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25141160/
18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/
19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3583892/
20. https://www.healthline.com/health/vitamin-e-for-face#benefits
21. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-e-overdose#bottom-line
22. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318168#Risks-and-considerations