If you are a conscious shopper, you must have noticed Vitamin E in most makeup and skincare products! So, what is the fuss about this ingredient? It is a fat-soluble vitamin which exhibits strong antioxidant properties. Vitamin E is a beauty elixir, from hydrating your skin to protecting it from UV radiation and even lightening your complexion.
Vitamin E is sourced from many plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Pure Vitamin E is an amber colour and is commercially sold in bottled and capsule forms. Among the different Vitamin E types, alpha-tocopherol is considered safe and suitable for cosmetic and dietary purposes.
This article shall look into the many benefits of Vitamin E for the skin, backed by evidence from scientific studies.
Benefits of Vitamin E Oil for the Face:
Listed below are the top beauty benefits of applying Vitamin E oil on the skin and face:
1. Reduces Dryness and Itching:
Vitamin E is a thick oil that gets easily absorbed by the skin and offers extra nourishment. A topical application of Vitamin E on dry skin can address lipids’ loss in the deeper layers of the skin and add suppleness. A study shows that even oral consumption of Vitamin E can benefit patients with skin conditions like Atopic Dermatitis by reducing itching, redness and skin thickening (1). Experts opine that Vitamin E can be a safer alternative to steroids and other treatments to deal with these problems.
Also Read: Vitamin E Oil for Hair Growth
2. Promotes Faster Wound Healing:
Vitamin E is hailed as a miracle ingredient for faster wound healing and preventing skin scars. A study suggests that Vitamin E exhibits high antioxidant activity that protects cell membranes from oxidative stress caused due to excess free radicals (2). It is also known that alpha-tocopherol in Vitamin E enhances the rate of wound healing and closure of damaged tissues. This may also lead to a reduced risk of infections and skin scarring.
3. May Prevent Skin Cancers:
According to a 2013 study conducted by scientists at Ohio State University, USA, Vitamin E may reduce the risk of skin cancers induced by prolonged sun exposure (3). This research was conducted on lab mice with UV-B-induced cancerous tumours on the skin by giving them a topical application of Vitamin E for 15 weeks. The results showed a 50% decrease in tumour growth due to the antioxidant activity of Vitamin E.
4. May Reduce Ageing Signs:
Although studies are limited to the association between Vitamin E and skin ageing, topical application of this ingredient is believed to slow down wrinkles by treating skin dryness. A study also shows that oral consumption of Vitamin E can prevent loss of elasticity and degradation of lipids in the skin layers (4). Many drugstore anti-aging skin products also use Vitamin E as a firming ingredient to deal with fine lines and skin folds.
5. Can Shield Your Skin From Sun Rays:
Vitamin E is considered a natural sunscreen that can protect your skin from harmful UV rays. According to a 2012 American study, topical application of Vitamin E is found to have photoprotective effects on the skin (5). Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of this agent can minimise skin inflammation caused due to UV damage.
6. Makes Your Skin Glow:
Vitamin E is an excellent moisturiser that can soften your skin and protect it from dryness. A good massage with this oil all over your face and neck can improve blood circulation to your skin and give it a healthy glow.
Read More: Vitamin E Oil for Acne Scars
How to Use Vitamin E Oil on Skin?
You can either use Vitamin E enriched products like creams, serums, moisturisers, lotions etc. or use pure Vitamin E oil. Here are some important points to remember if you are using the latter:
- Pure vitamin E oil may trigger allergic reactions in some people. Always do a patch test on the skin at least 24 hours before applying it to a larger area.
- It is always safe to mix pure vitamin E oil with a neutral carrier oil like coconut, olive etc., to reduce its potency.
- Take 2-3 drops of Vitamin E oil on your fingers and apply it to clean and dry skin.
- Gently massage the area using circular motions.
- You can leave it overnight or wash it off after 15-20 minutes.
Additionally, you can also use Vitamin E oil in the following ways:
- Add a few drops to your moisturiser, mix well, and apply them to your skin.
- Combine Vitamin E oil with natural ingredients like honey, milk etc. to make a hydrating homemade mask
- You can add Vitamin E to Tea tree oil as a spot treatment for acne rosacea and pimples.
NOTE: Vitamin E oil is very sticky, so it’s better to wait 20-30 minutes before hitting the bed to avoid staining pillows and bedsheets!
Side Effects of Vitamin E Oil:
Vitamin E may trigger allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin. Also, some people may experience adverse effects after taking Vitamin E pills orally. Listed below are some of the disadvantages of Vitamin E for your body:
- Rashes and redness (topical use)
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Weakness and Fatigue
- Increased creatine in urine
- Sexual dysfunction in males (Gonadal dysfunction)
Benefits of Taking Vitamin E Capsules Orally:
Vitamin E deficiency in the body is linked to problems like dry skin, increased wrinkles, dullness, eczema, psoriasis etc. Depending on the level of deficiency, doctors may prescribe Vitamin E supplements for a few days.
Here are some of the benefits of taking oral Vitamin E supplements:
- Smoother, radiant skin
- Improved energy levels
- Reduced risk of heart diseases
- Lowered risk of skin cancers
- Better eye health
However, oral intake of Vitamin E is not suitable for everyone and can be dangerous if the dosage limits are exceeded.
Read Next: Vitamin E Oils For Dark Circles
Overview:
So folks! After reading this article, we are sure your doubts about Vitamin E’s role in skin care products are cleared. With so many beauty benefits that this oil offers, it’s hard to ignore this ingredient. Have you ever tried using this on your skin? If yes, do you have a secret recipe?
FAQs
1. What is the recommended dosage of Vitamin E per day?
If you are using Vitamin E supplements, the safe dosage per day for adults is 15mg. If you are sourcing it through natural foods, you can go slightly higher *. It’s better to check with a doctor before using oral Vitamin E pills or capsules.
*not a generic and standard limit. Please check with your doctor about the safe allowance for your age and health condition.
2. Which foods are rich in Vitamin E?
Many natural foods are abundant in Vitamin E. They are wheat germ oil, almonds, peanuts, pumpkin, sunflower seeds, red bell pepper, mango, avocado, beet greens, collard greens, spinach, soybean oil etc. (6).
3. Can I put Vitamin E under my makeup?
Vitamin E is a thick oil that quickly turns your face into a greasy pan. Hence, applying this oil under your makeup is not recommended. Instead, you can put one or two drops in your prepping cream to hydrate the skin without adding oiliness.
