How to Use Vitamin E for Healthy, Glowing Skin

Vitamin E in Skin Care

Vitamin E is used as an ingredient in skin care products for anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and whitening products.

It is a powerful antioxidant that can be taken regularly along with a normal diet.

If you are looking for a well-researched and safe antioxidant to treat sunburn or wrinkles, read on to find out if vitamin E is right for your skin type!

What is vitamin E?

Vitamin E is a group of compounds consisting of compounds such as tocopherol and tocotrienol derivatives.

The four tocopherol compounds commonly referred to in medicine as “vitamin E” are α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol. (a, b, g, d)

Of the four variants, α-tocopherol is processed most efficiently in the body and is the most abundant in common plant species.

Therefore, α-tocopherol is the most commonly used form of vitamin E in skin care products.

Interestingly, the recommended daily intake of vitamin E is based entirely on the recommended amount of α-tocopherol, not the other three vitamin E.

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant and is fat-soluble. This allows it to penetrate deep into the skin and reduce radiation-induced free radicals. (2)

Synthetic vitamin E varieties are used in medicine, but are less effectively absorbed by the body than natural vitamin E compounds. (23)

How does it work?

Vitamin E (particularly alpha-tocopherol in skin care products) has antioxidant properties due to its ability to bind and eliminate free radicals on the skin.

The structure of alpha-tocopherol enables it to bind to multiple free radicals at once, making it extremely effective in sun damage or anti-aging treatments.

Vitamin E is fat-soluble and can penetrate deep into the skin. (31)

This compound is important for the proper regulation of free radicals in the body. Low levels of vitamin E are considered an early sign of oxidative damage. (7,8)

Vitamin E should be used in conjunction with ingredients such as vitamin C or coenzyme Q10.

These donate electrons to vitamin E, which, after eliminating many free radicals, converts it back into an antioxidant to eliminate more free radicals. (1)

Studies have also shown that vitamin E slows down the synthesis of prostaglandin E2; this makes the active ingredient an anti-inflammatory in skin care.

Research suggests that inhibiting prostaglandin E2 may also increase collagen synthesis, which can make the skin stronger and less prone to wrinkles. (6)

Benefits

Vitamin E is one of the most versatile ingredients in skin care, acting as an antioxidant, anti-aging agent, anti-inflammatory agent, and skin lightening agent.

As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E is great for treating/preventing wrinkles and fighting free radicals that cause genetic damage and skin aging.

Studies have shown that alpha-tocopherol, combined with ingredients such as ferulic acid, can effectively protect the skin from UVB radiation. (28)

Many studies have shown that atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, responds positively to vitamin E treatment. (9.29)

Alpha-tocopherol also has a mild effect on dark spots and disrupts melanin production through various mechanisms, which we will explain in detail below. (41,42)

Vitamin E can also be used to treat facial wrinkles, deep wrinkles, or rough skin. (22)

Vitamin E has also been shown to promote collagen synthesis and has anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating effects. (6)

Oral vitamin E is said to help reduce the dryness of the skin caused by Accutane.

Side Effects

Although vitamin E is a popular ingredient in many consumer products, there are still some things to consider before incorporating it into your daily skincare routine.

Studies show that vitamin E can cause skin allergies in nearly 20% of patients. (33) It is listed on the list of ingredients that may cause skin allergies.

Reactions to topical vitamin E may include burning, dryness, or redness.

Some forms of tocopherol, including alpha-tocopherol, show a significant contact irritation rate compared to many other ingredients. (33)

If you have sensitive or dry skin, products containing high levels of vitamin E may worsen eczema or skin redness. (40)

One study found that vitamin E supplements may worsen certain surgical scars. (33)

Is Vitamin E Safe?

Is it Safe?

Vitamin E is safe in cosmetic formulations and does not pose a significant health risk.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel has conducted extensive research on the use of this ingredient in skin care products and found it to be safe for commercial formulations.

The EWG rates tocopherol a 1-2, which means it is safe.

Vitamin E is considered a safe ingredient, but is not always gluten-free.

If you do not have contact sensitivity or allergies to vitamin E products, it is likely a safe addition to your personal skin care routine.

Vitamin E may treat the following specific conditions:

Anti-Aging

Vitamin E is one of the most commonly used ingredients in anti-aging products. Antioxidants are among the most effective anti-aging agents.

Many causes of skin aging can only be treated with antioxidants. (43)

Studies have shown that antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin C can protect collagen and elastin from glycation (damage caused by sugars, such as those in honey). (44)

Studies have shown that topical application of tocopherol can reduce the depth of existing wrinkles. (21)

Since there are many reasons for skin aging, and not all of them are related to oxidative damage, the best anti-aging products contain a combination of active ingredients that complement each other.

Some excellent anti-aging ingredients that can be combined with vitamin E include:

Borage seed oil, Coenzyme Q10, Ferulic acid, Glycolic acid, Jojoba oil, Retinoids, Safflower oil, Salicylic acid, Pigmentation

Alpha-tocopherol, vitamin E is a good addition to products used to treat pigmentation issues such as melasma, inflammatory pigmentation disorders, or sun-induced discoloration.

Vitamin E disrupts melanin production in keratinocytes without affecting normal cell development. Therefore, vitamin E is a good adjunct to treating pigmentation spots. (42)

Research has also shown that vitamin E interferes with tyrosinase receptors at certain concentrations.

(41) Tocopherol is particularly suitable for lightening pigmentation spots caused by sun exposure.

If you are looking for a safe, natural and proven skin lightener, vitamin E is a good choice.

However, whitening ingredients are best combined with other whitening agents to enhance the effect.

Inflammation

Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory effects because it inhibits the production of various prostaglandins. These compounds can cause redness, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation.

Free radicals produced by UV radiation can also cause irritation and skin sensitivity. Antioxidants such as tocopherol can reduce this damage. (44)

This is why many anti-inflammatory products contain vitamin E.

Inflammation can be caused by a variety of reasons. Therefore, it is important to understand the scientific basis of inflammation before purchasing skin care products.

Different types of inflammation are caused by different reactions of the body. Vitamin E is best for treating skin inflammation caused by prostaglandins or oxidative stress.

Sun Damage

Antioxidants, such as alpha-tocopherol, are great for treating sunburn because they can remove gene-damaging free radicals from the skin and protect the skin from UVB radiation.

Research shows that vitamin E deficiency can lead to increased oxidative stress and genetic damage. (2) Genetic damage in the skin can lead to skin cancer.

Taking vitamin E topically or orally can protect the skin from free radical damage. Therefore, a diet rich in vitamin E is a good preventative measure for sun damage.

Many common sunburn treatments contain ingredients rich in vitamin E because of its antioxidant effects.

Research has also shown that topical vitamin E can prevent the formation of damaged, sunburned cells in the skin. (12,13)

Other studies on alpha-tocopherol show that it can significantly reduce the damage caused by daily UVB radiation. (14,15)

Vitamin E is less suitable for treating damage caused by UVA radiation. (21)

Vitamin E is one of the most studied antioxidants for sunburn treatment and is considered one of the most effective defenses against UVB radiation.

Vitamin E Fights Sun Damage

Vitamin E Skin Care Products

Oral vitamin E has many of the same skin care benefits as topical vitamin E.

Research shows that oral tocopherols can reduce redness and burning caused by UV rays. (23)

Studies have also found that oral vitamin E supplements can hinder the breakdown of elastin, a protein that keeps the skin elastic and healthy. (24)

Unfortunately, when taking oral tocopherols, you lose the UV protection you get. Vitamin E supplements do not protect the skin from the sun as well as topical products do. (25)

Overall, vitamin E supplements are completely safe and have some benefits for skin health.

If you take vitamin E supplements, they will not affect your skin care regimen.

Benefits of Vitamin E for Men’s Skin Care

Vitamin E is a great choice for men’s health products, whether in topical or tablet form.

It is well known that vitamin E is essential for the normal production of testosterone and other reproductive hormones in both men and women. (45)

For men, there are no general risks associated with using vitamin E products for skin care.

If you want to add an effective antioxidant to your skin care routine, take our quiz to determine your skin type before choosing a vitamin E product.

Serums

Serums are highly concentrated liquid forms of certain ingredients. Vitamin E serums have all the properties of a high concentration of tocopherol.

If you need a highly effective antioxidant in your skin care routine, vitamin E serums are a good choice.

Serums are often among the most expensive skin care products. So before you buy one, make sure they are indeed the right fit for your skin care routine.

Vitamin E serums

Oils rich in vitamin E

Many natural ingredients commonly used in skin care contain vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol).

Our five favorite natural skin care oils rich in vitamin E are:

Almond oil, Grapeseed oil, Peppermint oil, Rosehip oil, Sunflower oil

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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