The Many Benefits of Vitamin E in Skin Care

By Cathie Arpino

Vitamins are valued in skin care for their ability to help nourish and keep skin healthy. Vitamin E can be found in many foods and is one of the top-used ingredients used in skincare. You’ve likely seen this listed on beauty and skincare products, but many people don’t know what it is and what it does for your skin. Let’s change that and give you the low-down on why Vitamin E is something you want in your skincare regimen.

What is Vitamin E?

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble group of vitamins essential to protecting your skin against free radicals. Free radicals are the molecules in the environment that can damage your skin. This nutrient has anti-inflammatory properties supporting the immune system cell function and improving your skin health when eaten. With those benefits, it’s no wonder why this antioxidant has been infused into skincare products. 

Vitamin E is found in natural plant foods such as avocado, pumpkin, and wheat germ oil, all great for internal and external use. Synthetic Vitamin E can come in eight different forms, which doubles the potency of the vitamin. It’s commonly called Tocopherol Acetate in the ingredient list.

Benefits of Vitamin E

 This vitamin is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties, having a wide range of benefits for your skin. Here are a few key benefits that should give you reason enough to use Vitamin E. 

Combats Acne – The anti-inflammatory nature of Vitamin E can help prevent acne breakouts. Some acne can cause dark spots and discoloration, and that’s where the anti-oxidative effects of Vitamin E step in. It can be a powerful healing agent and help prevent dark spots and skin due to acne and even sun exposure.  

Anti-Aging – Antioxidants are known to be beneficial for aging skin. Vitamin E reduces the effects of the free radicals in the environment. Free radicals speed up the aging process, and preventing those from penetrating your skin prevents your skin from aging. 

Heals Skin – Vitamin E can help accelerate your skin’s healing, whether it’s from wounds or prolonged sun exposure. The antioxidant heals the skin and soothes the irritation that comes with it. 

Moisturizes and Protects the Lipid Barrier – Vitamin E can moisturize your skin and help protect the lipid barrier, keeping it soft and supple. It seals cracks that prevent the moisture from escaping. 

Treats Scars and Stretch Marks – Vitamin E has properties that help with treating and preventing scarring. It’s also a soothing ingredient that helps smooth skin after injuries or sunburns, and it has also been used to avoid and treat stretch marks.  

Incorporating Vitamin E into your skincare routine is super easy; you probably already use it! Vitamin E is typically added to leave-on products like body lotions, creams, and oils. Vitamin E is safe for all skin types but always do a patch test before trying new products, especially if you have sensitive skin.