The Skin Care Power of Antioxidant-Rich Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E Oil Provides Intense Hydration for Dry Skin—Why Dermatologists Love It So Much

Vitamin E is no longer a new thing in the cosmetic industry. In the past, it seemed like every teen magazine touted this ingredient as the solution to treating pimples and healing acne scars.

In addition, this oil has been praised for its moisturizing, antioxidant, and skin-protecting properties, as well as its hair-repairing powers.

While we all love trying the latest and greatest products, we shouldn’t stick with tried and tested products either.

To bring you up to speed on what vitamin E oil can do for your skin and how to incorporate it into your current beauty routine.

We spoke with board-certified dermatologists Jennifer L. MacGregor, M.D., Raymond Schep, M.D., Lamees Hamdan, M.D., and celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau.

Read on to learn more about this dry-skin-protecting ingredient.

Meet the Experts

Jennifer L. MacGregor, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City.

Raymond Schep, MD, is the chief chemist at Colonial Dames Co. and a member of the California Association of Toxicologists.

Renée Rouleau is a celebrity aesthetician and founder of Renée Rouleau Skincare.

Lamees Hamdan, MD, is the CEO and founder of Shiffa.

What is Vitamin E?

“Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin and oil,” says McGregor. “It is often added to topical antioxidant blends or moisturizers.”

In skin care, vitamin E is usually found in the form of an oil or cream.

Tocopherol (the form of vitamin E that the body metabolizes) is usually produced synthetically, but it is also found in natural products.

Avocado, pumpkin, and wheat germ oils are all excellent sources of the vitamin for topical and internal use. 1

Vitamin E

Ingredients: Barrier enhancer

Main benefits: Moisturizing, smoothing, antioxidant

Suitable for: Generally suitable for all people with dry skin. Vitamin E is not recommended for sensitive skin.

Frequency of use: Vitamin E should be applied no more than once a day, preferably at night, as it is often too thick to go under makeup.

Combines well with vitamin C and ferulic acid

Do not use with: retinol/vitamin A2

The form of vitamin E also plays a role: “Synthetic vitamin E comes in eight different forms, only one of which is identical to the natural molecule.

As a result, natural vitamin E is at least twice as potent as synthetic vitamin E,” Schep explains. It is also used as tocopheryl acetate in cosmetics.

[Since] natural D-alpha tocopherol is about eight times more expensive than synthetic vitamin E, the synthetic form is often used in cosmetics, especially in high-potency products.

In addition, natural vitamin E must go through several processing steps to remove pesticides and herbicides, and these may not be completely removed.

This disadvantage does not exist with synthetic vitamin E.

Benefits of vitamin E for dry skin

Protecting the lipid barrier: “Vitamin E keeps the lipids in the skin fresh,” explains Rouleau. “This helps keep the skin’s protective barrier intact.

[Intactness] helps fill in small cracks in the skin barrier, preventing water loss that can make the skin feel tight and dry.”

Keeps skin moisturized: Additionally, vitamin E helps hold moisture between skin cells for longer than products without vitamin E. 2 It provides up to 16 hours of hydration, according to Rouleau.

Repairs skin: Schep explains why vitamin E is so popular: “The main benefit of vitamin E is that it speeds up the healing of skin damage, such as burns and wounds, by up to 50 percent.

It has antioxidant properties, which can repair the skin after sunburn and various irritations and injuries. It also increases the skin’s hydration level, which slows down the aging of the skin.”

It’s an antioxidant:

Vitamin E also has antioxidant (fat-soluble) properties—it helps neutralize harmful free radicals, and because of its antioxidant properties, it can inhibit the oxidation of sebum (oil), which can help prevent blackheads.

2 “The words ‘anti’ and ‘oxid’ refer to antioxidant activity,” explains Rouleau. “As the hardened and clogged oil tips in pores turn black due to oxidation, vitamin E can help slow this process.” Soothes Skin: Formulas with vitamin E take care of environmentally stressed skin. 2 The ingredient smoothes skin and provides a sense of comfort after irritation caused by acne, pollution, and sun damage.

Sun Protection: Vitamin E also offers photoprotective properties. 3 “When combined with vitamin C and used under sunscreen, vitamin E can provide four times more protection than sunscreen alone,” says Rouleau.

Possible Side Effects of Vitamin E

“If pure vitamin E is taken in capsules and applied directly to the skin, it may cause a dermatitis-like reaction, especially on thinner and more sensitive skin, such as the skin around the eyes,” warns Rouleau.

If you’ve ever had dermatitis (the medical term for skin inflammation) caused by a skincare product, you know that applying skincare to the area without doing a patch test is never a good idea.

Vitamin E is also considered comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores and eventually cause acne. Therefore, it may worsen symptoms for people who are prone to acne and breakouts.

If you notice any changes in your skin after using vitamin E, consult a trusted dermatologist.

Oral Supplements vs. Topical Vitamin E

Vitamin E is found naturally in a variety of foods, and while we need more of it as we age, most people don’t need supplements.

Topical vitamin E is found in many skin care products and is not only a safer alternative, it’s also suitable for spot treatments on specific areas of the skin.

Some people like to extract vitamin E from a capsule and apply it directly to the skin to get a high concentration. However, this can be sensitizing and lead to unwanted side effects. Irritation.

If you’re considering taking an oral supplement, talk to your doctor first, as vitamin E may interact with medications.

Application

“If you’re looking to treat a specific scar or area, you can pierce a vitamin E capsule and apply the oil to the affected area for a few weeks,” advises Hamdan.

It’s a fantastic antioxidant, and its ability to fight premature skin aging has been extensively studied.

That’s why I prefer taking vitamin E oil over pure vitamin E, which is usually the alpha-tocopherol version of vitamin E.

Even if you have sensitive skin, you can use vitamin E—just take a small amount and apply it gently.

If you experience breakouts or redness, this may be a sign that your skin is having trouble tolerating it.

As for concerns about comedogenicity, “it’s important to note that vitamin E is found in very low concentrations in skincare products,” says Rouleau.

This application is a far cry from piercing a capsule and applying the ingredient in its pure form.

So if you want to try the latest vitamin E serum, go for it; it’s probably diluted enough that it won’t cause problems.

However, it’s difficult to determine a product’s purity level or how your skin will react to it based on its ingredient list. This applies to every ingredient in every product, however.

Rouleau says it’s always best to test for compatibility before purchasing a new product.

Bottom line: Vitamin E oil is a powerful antioxidant found in skin care and beauty products. It can help fight the effects of free radicals that cause skin aging and damage.

Vitamin E also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the skin and help treat conditions like acne and dryness.

Plus, it strengthens the skin’s natural barrier function, locking in moisture and moisturizing the skin. For vitamin E to benefit the skin, topical application is recommended.

Vitamin E can clog pores and cause acne, especially in acne-prone skin. If you notice any changes in your skin after using vitamin E, consult a dermatologist.

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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