On the quest for radiant and younger looking skin, Vitamin E is an under looked skincare ingredient with huge benefits. In fact, this skincare hero is famous for its massive impact on skin health. Vitamin E has a number of benefits for your skin. In this article, we explore what exactly is Vitamin E skin, what it does, how it works and how to get its benefits through your skincare routine.
What is Vitamin E & What Does it Do?
Vitamin E is the collective name for a group of a fat-soluble vitamins. It has powerful antioxidant properties and plays a crucial role in skin health and overall well being. Vitamin E is found naturally in a variety of foods, such as nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables. It is also widely available as a dietary aid and a common ingredient in topical skincare products.
The vitamin E family is made up of eight different chemical forms. Alpha-tocopherol is the most common and biologically significant form in skincare. Its use in skincare revolves around its ability to neutralise harmful free radicals which in turn protects cells from damage. This helps maintain healthy skin by lowering UV-induced photodamage which can cause skin ageing, melasma and hyperpigmentation. It also aids in keeping the skin hydrated and supple. For all these reasons, Vitamin E has become a staple in dermatology to support a healthy and more youthful skin.
Vitamin E Benefits for the Skin
There are variety of ways in which Vitamin E benefits the skin. It has protective, healing and skin rejuvenating functions. Best of all, Vitamin E is generally safe to use across a variety of skin types, concerns and tones. Here are some of the key benefits of Vitamin E for skin:
- Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect from damage caused by free radicals. These can harm skin cells, leading to premature aging and dullness. As such Vitamin E can help maintain skin’s youthful appearance and radiance.
- Moisturising Properties: Quite simply, Vitamin E is an excellent moisturiser which helps to keep the skin hydrated. Vitamin E also supports the natural barrier. This reduces water loss and keeps the skin plump.
- Scar Treatment: Vitamin E has the ability to exfoliate and speed up its healing process. This makes it a popular treatment for reducing the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Its anti-inflammatory properties make Vitamin E useful for calming and soothing irritated skin. This is particularly good for conditions like eczema, rosacea or psoriasis. Vitamin E can also reduce redness.
- Anti-Aging Benefits: Vitamin E supports skin health by boosting collagen production which is a protein that gives it elasticity and firmness. This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Skin Tone Improvement: Vitamin E may also help in evening out tone and reducing the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation.
The Science Behind How Vitamin E Benefits Skin
The main way Vitamin E benefits the skin is due to it’s antioxidant abilities. It combats free radicals which are the molecules that contribute to premature aging and skin discolouration. Vitamin E forms a protective shield around the skin which safeguards it against environmental aggressors like pollution and UV rays. This defensive action is critical in maintaining radiant and younger looking skin
Vitamin E in skincare also integrates into the lipid layers of the skin’s cell membranes. This allows Vitamin E to shield skin cells from oxidative stress and damage. As such, it is crucial in stopping the breakdown of collagen and keeping its integrity. This allows Vitamin E to play pivotal role in delaying the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Furthermore, Vitamin E also has anti-inflammatory properties. You see inflammation is a common response to various skin stressors and can speed up aging and cause skin conditions like acne and eczema. By suppressing inflammatory processes, it helps to provide smooth and calm skin. In addition to its protective roles, Vitamin E also aids in cell repair and regeneration. It supports the skin’s natural healing process, which is particularly good in the treatment of scars, acne marks and other skin problems.
How to Use Vitamin E in Your Skincare Routine
Whether it’s cleansers, toners, serums or creams, the market is full of Vitamin E-enriched products. It’s also accessible in a large range of products at every budget. Don’t forget that you can also eat foods rich with it or take supplements to boost Vitamin E’s benefits to your skin. Here are some of the best ways to get Vitamin E’s skin benefits:
- Serums and Moisturisers: The best way to use Vitamin E is in skincare products that stay on the skin. Look for serums, moisturisers and lotions that have Vitamin E (often as tocopherol).
- Spot Treatment: For specific concerns like scars or dry patches, Vitamin E oil can be applied directly to the affected area. As it is potent, it’s best to start with a small amount to see how your skin reacts.
- Night-time Skincare: Vitamin E is particularly effective when used in evening skincare routines. During sleep, the skin’s repair processes are most active. Vitamin E can enhance these healing mechanisms.
- Pair with Vitamin C: For an antioxidant boost, use Vitamin E with Vitamin C.
- Vitamin E and Retinoids: Retinol and prescription retinoids like Tretinoin are known for their powerful anti-aging and skin renewing properties. However, they can sometimes cause dryness and irritation. Vitamin E moisturisers can be beneficial in alleviating these side effects.
- Using With Exfoliating Acids: AHAs, BHAs and other exfoliating acids can leave the skin feeling sensitive or dry. Vitamin E serums and moisturisers can help to soothe and hydrate the skin.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
While Vitamin E skincare benefits are vast, it’s important to approach with caution if you have sensitive or allergy prone skin. It may not be suitable for all skin types, particularly those who are prone to oily or acne-prone skin. It’s always wise to patch test new skincare products. Also consult with a dermatologist if you have severe skin concerns, pre-existing medical or skin conditions, medications or allergies. They can provide personalised advice including whether and how to use Vitamin E in your skincare journey.
There is a vast array of Vitamin E benefits which over the years have been backed by a lot of research. From anti-ageing to brightening and texture smoothing effects, there may be an argument to include Vitamin E in most skincare routines, That being said, it’s worth repeating that every one is different and the way skin responds to different treatments will vary from person to person. even with something as common and low risk as Vitamin E you should be careful when adding in new products. Consider seeing a dermatologist or other skin specialist if you have pre-existing skin or health conditions or have severe skin concerns. Remember that as with all things skincare related, results will take time. With a regular and targeted skincare routine Vitamin E can benefit the skin by to give a smoother, more radiant and youthful complexion.
At City Skin Clinic, we are simply obsessed with personalised skincare. Our doctors offer safe and effective treatments with prescription-strength products like Tretinoin and Hydroquinone through our online skin clinic. We treat skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. To start your personalised skincare plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin starts here.
