Vitamin E in Skin Care

Vitamin E is used in skin care products as parts of anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and skin lightening products.

It is a potent antioxidant and is consumed regularly as part of a normal diet.

If you are looking for a studied and safe antioxidant for your sun damage or wrinkle treatments, read below to see if vitamin E is right for your skin type!

What is vitamin E?

Vitamin E is actually a group of compounds made up of chemicals like tocol and tocotrienol derivatives. In particular, the four compounds medicine generally recognizes as “vitamin E” are the α-, β-, γ- and δ- tocopherol varieties. (a, b, g, d)

Of these four varieties, a-tocopherol is the most efficiently processed in the body and most prevalent in common plant species. For this reason, a-tocopherol is the most common form of vitamin E used in skin care product formulations.

Interestingly, a person’s daily recommended intake of vitamin E is based exclusively on a-tocopherol recommendations, not the other 3 varieties.

Vitamin E is an effective antioxidant that is soluble in fats, meaning it is able to penetrate deep into the skin to reduce free radicals caused by radiation. (2)

Synthetic varieties of vitamin E exist in medicine, but they are less easily absorbed by the body than naturally occurring vitamin E compounds. (23)

How does it work?

Vitamin E, (specifically a-tocopherol in skin care) expresses antioxidant properties through its ability to bind to and eliminate free radicals on the skin.

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

Vitamin E is fat soluble, able to penetrate deep into the skin. (31)

This compound is vital for your body’s normal regulation of free radicals, and low levels of vitamin E are considered early signs of oxidative damage. (7,8)

It’s good to use vitamin E alongside ingredients like vitamin C or Coenzyme Q10, which donate electrons to vitamin E, turning it back into an antioxidant after it has eliminated a bunch of free radicals so it can eliminate even more of them. (1)

Studies have also found that Vitamin E slows the synthesis of prostaglandin E2; this gives the compound anti-inflammatory effects in skin care.

Research suggests that the inhibition of prostaglandin E2 can also result in increased collagen synthesis, resulting in stronger and less wrinkle-prone skin.(6)

Benefits

Vitamin E is one of the most broadly beneficial ingredients in skin care, with uses as an antioxidant, anti-aging ingredient, anti-inflammatory, and a skin lightener.

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

Studies have found that a-tocopherol is effective at protecting the skin from UVB radiation when combined with ingredients like ferulic acid. (28)

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, has demonstrated positive reactions to vitamin E treatments in many studies. (9,29)

A-tocopherol has a small impact in dark spots as well, interfering with melanogenesis through multiple mechanisms we will cover in more detail below. (41,42)

If you have concerns regarding facial lines, deep wrinkles, or rough skin, vitamin E can also be used to treat those. (22)

Vitamin E has also demonstrated boosts to collagen synthesis, anti-inflammatory effects, and immunostimulatory properties. (6)

Oral Vitamin E has been said to help decrease skin dryness from Accutane.

Side-effects

Even though vitamin E is an important, common compound present in many normally consumed products, there are still a few considerations to make before including it in your skin care routine.

Studies have found that vitamin E can cause a skin allergy in nearly 20% of patients. (33)It is found on lists of skin allergy causing ingredients.

Reactions to topical Vitamin E an include stinging, dryness, or redness.

Certain forms of tocopherol, including a-tocopherol, have demonstrated significant rates of contact irritation as compared to many other ingredients. (33)

If you have sensitive or dry skin, there is a chance that products with high concentrations of vitamin E can exacerbate concerns of eczema or red skin. (40)

One study found that vitamin E preparations can worsen the severity of certain surgery-related scars. (33)

Is vitamin E safe?

Is it safe?

Vitamin E is safe in cosmetic formulations, having no significant health risks associated with its use.

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has conducted extensive studies on the ingredient’s use in skin care, and has graded it safe for commercial formulations.

The EWG gives tocopherol a score of 1-2 meaning it is safe.

Vitamin E is considered a clean ingredient, however it is not always gluten free.

If you do not express contact sensitivity or an allergy to vitamin E products, it is likely a safe addition to your custom skin care regimen.

Vitamin E for specific concerns:

Anti-aging

Vitamin E is one of the most common ingredients used in the formulation of anti-aging products. Antioxidants are one of the best categories of anti-aging ingredients.

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

Antioxidants such as vitamin E and vitamin C are have demonstrated the ability to protect both collagen and elastin from glycation, (damage from exposure to sugars, like those in honey). (44)

Studies have found that topical applications of tocopherols can reduce the depth of already existing wrinkles. (21)

Since there are many causes of aging, and not all of them are related to oxidative damage, the best anti-aging products contain combinations of ingredients that cover each others shortcomings.

Some great anti-aging ingredients you can use in combination with vitamin E are:

Borage seed oil

Coenzyme Q10

Ferulic acid

Glycolic acid

Jojoba oil

Retinoids

Safflower oil

Salicylic acid

Hyperpigmentation

A-tocopherol, vitamin E, is a good additive for products designed to treat hyperpigmentation concerns such as melasma, PIH, or discoloration from sun damage.

Vitamin E interferes with melanin production in keratinocytes without damaging normal cell development. This means that vitamin E can be a good addition to dark spot treatments. (42)

Vitamin E has also been shown to interfere with tyrosinase receptors in certain concentrations. (41) In particular, tocopherols are useful for lightening dark spots caused by sun damage.

If you are looking for a safe, natural, and proven addition to your skin lightening routine, vitamin E is a great candidate for your consideration.

That being said, skin lightening ingredients are best used in combination with other skin lighteners for increased effects.

Inflammation

Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties because it inhibits the production of various prostaglandins, compounds that trigger redness, puffiness, and other symptoms of inflammation on the skin.

Irritation and sensitivity on the skin can also be caused by free radicals from UV radiation damage, which can be treated by antioxidants like tocopherols. (44)

For this reason, many anti-inflammatory products contain vitamin E.

There are many causes of inflammation, so it is important to understand the science of inflammation before you purchase a skin care product.

Different kinds of inflammation are caused by different reactions in the body; vitamin E is best for inflammation related to prostaglandin or oxidative stress on the skin.

Sun damage

Antioxidants like a-tocopherol are great for treating sun damage because they can remove gene-damaging free radicals from the skin and protect from UVB radiation.

Studies have shown that vitamin E deficiencies can result in increased oxidative stress and genetic damage. (2) Genetic damage in the skin can lead to skin cancer.

Vitamin E protects your skin from free radicals when used either topically or orally, which means a vitamin E rich diet is a good step towards preventing sun damage.

Many popular sun damage treatments contain ingredients rich in vitamin E for these antioxidant effects.

In addition, studies have found that topical applications of vitamin E prevent your skin from producing damaged, sunburned cells. (12,13)

Other studies on a-tocopherol have found it significantly reduces damage from daily UVB exposure. (14,15)

Vitamin E is not well suited to treating damage caused by UVA radiation. (21)

Vitamin E is one of the most studied antioxidants used for sun damage treatment formulations, and is considered one of the best at protecting from UVB radiation.

Vitamin E for sun damage

Vitamin E supplements for skin care

Vitamin E expresses many of the same benefits for skin care when used orally instead of topically.

Studies have found that orally ingested tocopherols can interfere with UV radiation induced redness and stinging. (23)

It has also been found that oral supplements of vitamin E can interfere with elastin degradation, keeping the skin stretchy and healthy. (24)

Unfortunately, the benefit you lose when taking oral tocopherol supplements is it UV protection. Vitamin E supplements do not protect your sun from radiation like topical applications can. (25)

In general, vitamin E supplements are perfectly fine to take and have some benefits for your skin health as well.

If you’re on vitamin E supplements, they shouldn’t interfere with your skin care regimen.

Vitamin E benefits for men’s skin care

Vitamin E is great for men’s health products in both topical and consumable formulations.

Vitamin E is known for being critical to normal production of testosterone and other reproductive hormones in both males and females. (45)

There is no common risk specific to men when discussing vitamin E products in skin care.

If you’re looking to add a great antioxidant into your skin care routine, take our quiz to find your skin type before you choose a vitamin E product.

Take the Quiz

Serums

Serums are highly concentrated liquid forms of specific ingredients. Serums of vitamin E express all of the properties of tocopherols in high concentration.

If you need a very potent antioxidant in your skin care routine, a vitamin E serum can be a good choice for you.

Serums are often among the most expensive types of skin care products, so make sure they really fit your regimen before you buy them.

Vitamin E Serums

Vitamin E rich oils

Many natural ingredients commonly used in skin care contain vitamin E (a-tocopherol) in their chemical compositions.

Five of our favorite natural oils in skin care that are 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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