The Ultimate Guide to Vitamin E for Skin
November 24, 2022The Comprehensive Guide to Vitamin E for Skin
Vitamin E serves as an antioxidant that bolsters our skin's immune system and shields it from elements that contribute to aging. Our bodies primarily absorb it through dietary sources. The most prevalent natural sources of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, avocados, and olive oil.
As per research, besides ingesting Vitamin E through food, applying Vitamin E oil externally on your face also offers advantageous effects for your skin. Let’s delve deeper into the significant role Vitamin E oil plays in maintaining our skin's health and appearance.
Advantages of Vitamin E for the Face
1. Prevents Oxidative Stress.
Utilizing oils abundant in Vitamin E imparts antioxidant benefits to the skin. It safeguards the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution, sunlight, and extreme temperatures, while combating free radical damage.
2. Alleviates Skin Irritation.
Research suggests that Vitamin E aids in calming irritated skin, particularly in cases of skin disorders like dermatitis and psoriasis.
3. Enhances Wound Healing.
According to a study, Vitamin E offers anti-inflammatory benefits to the skin, accelerating wound healing and tissue regeneration.
4. Diminishes Hyperpigmentation.
Studies show that both oral intake (via food sources) and topical application of Vitamin E can inhibit tyrosinase activity in skin cells, which is primarily responsible for skin darkening. It also helps lessen the visibility of melasma and sunspots.
Another study aimed at evaluating the skin-brightening effects of Vitamin E concluded that a serum containing Vitamin E oil, Vitamin C, and Raspberry extract could significantly enhance the natural tone and texture of the skin within 4-8 weeks. This experiment yielded successful results for Asian skin.
5. Mitigates Acne.
The same study also indicates that Vitamin E helps prevent the development of comedones and inflammation, thus averting acne and congestion.
6. Aids in Scar Healing.
Vitamin E (or tocopherol) is recognized for its antioxidant properties that promote tissue repair and minimize the appearance of scars resulting from acne, injuries, or burns.
7. Slows Down Aging.
Oils rich in Vitamin E are commonly found in organic skincare products, not only for their antioxidant qualities but also for their ability to stimulate collagen production in the skin and provide deep hydration. Vitamin E oil imparts a plump and radiant look to the skin, enhances elasticity, softens fine lines and wrinkles, and prevents trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) in skin cells.
8. Lightens Dark Circles.
According to a study, applying Vitamin E oil topically at just 0.1% in a skincare formulation has been shown to lighten dark circles, particularly those caused by stress in the eye area.
9. Minimizes Stretch Marks.
The collagen-boosting and scar-reducing properties of Vitamin E oil are also effective in diminishing the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite. Massaging and moisturizing with Vitamin E-rich oils during pregnancy is known to help prevent future stretch marks. A study found that a combination of Vitamin E oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, Vitamin C, and Gotu Kola extract can effectively prevent stretch marks during pregnancy.
10. Shields Against Photodamage.
Research indicates that applying Vitamin E oil topically protects the skin's dermal barrier from damage caused by ultraviolet radiation during sun exposure or while using tanning beds.
Vitamin E oil is also utilized in aftercare treatments to alleviate the effects of sunburn and inflammation following sun exposure.
Recommendations for Using Vitamin E Oil in Skincare
For Anti-Aging
Pure Vitamin E oil or alpha-tocopherol has a thick consistency and a brown hue, resembling raw honey. You can add a single drop of Vitamin E oil to your nighttime skincare formulations to boost their anti-aging effects.
For Skin Brightening
Vitamin E oil inhibits tyrosinase activity in skin cells, preventing skin darkening. A nighttime serum crafted with organic oils rich in Vitamin E can be applied at the end of your skincare routine to protect the skin from oxidation and hyperpigmentation.
For Dark Circles
An eye cream or nighttime moisturizer that is crafted with oils abundant in Vitamin E can be applied nightly over an extended duration to observe noticeable improvements in dark circles and puffiness around the eyes.
For Nourishment
Facial oils and creams that are high in Vitamin E provide deep hydration to your skin, alleviating dryness and flakiness while also preventing moisture loss from skin cells. Additionally, cleansers formulated with oils rich in Vitamin E can be utilized to cleanse both your face and body, helping to avoid dehydration of the skin. Vitamin E oil is also effective for moisturizing and healing dry, chapped lips.
For Sun Care
Opt for sunscreen that incorporates Vitamin E oil or oils high in Vitamin E for enhanced protection against sun damage. A blend of cold pressed argan oil and cold pressed sweet almond oil can be applied a few hours post sun exposure to mitigate the effects of photodamage on your skin.
For Massaging
A massage oil or serum infused with Vitamin E oil can be used on both your face and body to hydrate the skin, promote vitality, enhance circulation, and improve your complexion and skin texture.
Juicy Chemistry Products Rich in Vitamin E Oil
Gentle Cleansers
Juicy Chemistry's Tamanu, Kakadu Plum and Frankincense Organic Face Wash and Saffron, Marula and Ylang Ylang Organic Face Wash are packed with Tocopherol (the purest form of Vitamin E oil for facial use) and Vitamin E-rich oils such as Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Rosehip Seed Oil, and Avocado Oil, which leave your skin feeling soft and nourished.
Natural Moisturisers
Our Helichrysum and Rosehip Facial Oil and Saffron and Red Raspberry Facial Oil are infused with Organic Rosehip Seed Oil and Raspberry Seed Oil, respectively, to enhance blood circulation in your skin and promote a radiant glow.
Natural Lip and Eye Care
Juicy Chemistry Prickly Pear, Chia, and Tamanu Eye Rollon is formulated with Prickly Pear Seed Oil and Sweet Almond Oil, both of which are rich in Vitamin E. This product helps diminish the visibility of dark circles and smooths out fine lines.
Juicy Chemistry Blood Orange and Rosehip Lip Balm features Rosehip Seed Oil and Apricot Oil, both abundant in Vitamin E. It effectively hydrates dry lips and enhances their natural color.
Common Questions
Is it safe to use vitamin E for hair care?
Absolutely. Carrier oils that are high in vitamin E can be applied to hair to help repair damage and minimize hair loss.
Can I take a vitamin E supplement?
If you believe your diet may need supplementation, it’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for guidance on the next steps.
Is it possible to apply vitamin E capsules to my skin?
Vitamin E capsules typically contain a refined version of vitamin E oil that appears clear. In contrast, pure vitamin E is thick and resembles honey in color. If pure vitamin E oil is unavailable, you can opt for carrier oils that are naturally high in vitamin E, such as sweet almond oil, avocado oil, or rosehip seed oil.
Sources
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16029671/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18262176/
