How to Enhance Your Daily Skincare Routine with Vitamin E
You’ve heard all of the latest buzzwords when it comes to skincare: hyaluronic acid, kakadu plum, peptides… but what if we told you it’s time to get back to basics?
Vitamin E is a core ingredient in any successful skin care routine and it’s time to get reacquainted with this old best friend.
A powerful antioxidant with hydration boosting properties, Vitamin E works to counter the damaging effects of your environment and the harsh Australian sun to revitalise the skin.
In this article we will discuss what Vitamin E is, its health benefits and how to add it into your skincare routine. We’ll then share the top Vitamin E products of 2023.
Disclaimer:Always speak with your doctor before taking any action regarding your health. Supplements have a wide range of potential effects and it's important to ensure that they are right for you. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. This post is based on general knowledge and does not provide specific medical advice. |
What is Vitamin E?
Also known as tocopherol, Vitamin E is the name of a group of 8 vitamins [1]. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found naturally in nuts, seeds and leafy greens. It is also commonly added into foods such as margarine and fortified cereals. You may find Vitamin E listed on the back of your sunscreen bottle.
Here’s the science:
Free radicals are the nasty cells living in you caused by environmental factors such as a less than ideal diet, exposure to air pollution and sunlight and even unavoidable elements like ageing.
Free radicals cause damage by destroying otherwise healthy cells but can be intercepted and neutralised by antioxidants such as Vitamin E. Dietary and topical Vitamin E is one of your biggest allies in fighting the signs of ageing and other forms of oxidative stress such as fatigue, poor memory function and even grey hairs!
Vitamin E is also an essential vitamin in maintaining your immune system and for healthy visual function and skin.
What Does Vitamin E Do for the Skin?
Vitamin E is no secret in the skincare world; you will often see it listed on the back of your sunscreen or moisturiser. The problem is generic products often don’t carry enough of the essential vitamin for it to achieve its desired effect [2].
Adding Vitamin E to counter the damaging and inflammatory effects of the sun is just as important as applying sunscreen every morning. Vitamin E has a number of benefits for your skin including:
- Reducing redness and swelling associated with acne
- Protecting the skin from damage caused by free radicals (i.e. fights the signs of ageing)
- Hydrating the skin creating fullness and minimising fine lines and wrinkles
- Reducing the appearance of scars by producing new collagen fibres
- Helping the skin retain moisture
- Slowing down the loss of elastin in the skin due to ageing, which may reduce skin sagging
- Assisting in the prevention of stretch marks by hydrating the skin
Research has shown Vitamin E plays an important role in fighting the signs of oxidative stress.
How to Add Vitamin E to Your Skin Care Routine
As vitamin E oils and creams sit quite heavily on the surface of the skin it’s best to apply as part of your night time routine (it can make the skin appear oily if applied before makeup). Allow 20 mins before going to bed so the product can absorb onto your skin and not onto your pillow!
Here’s the plan, plain and simple:
- Morning Routine:
Cleanser, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, SPF and then makeup products (if you wish!) - Night Time Routine:
Cleanser, serums, and vitamin E moisturising cream or oil
Ahh, how easy it can be!
Safety Considerations
- Vitamin E toxicity can occur in some instances however topical Vitamin E usage is highly unlikely to result in overdose [3].
- Research suggests Vitamin E supplements can affect cholesterol lowering medications and interact with radiation treatments for cancer patients, and can inhibit the blood to clot.
- Topical Vitamin E should be used as described on the product label, taking care to avoid the eye and genital areas. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.
Always consult your health care professional before use if you have an underlying health condition.
Top Product Recommendations
DermaE Vitamin E 14 000IU Skin Oil 60ml
A hypoallergenic, safflower-based oil designed to penetrate deep into the skin to heal rough skin and reduce the visible signs of ageing. Click here to read more
DermaE Vitamin E 12 000IU Creme 113g
A rich moisturising cream that is quick to absorb into the skin to replenish dryness and fight free radical damage. Click here to read more
Herbs of Gold Natural Vitamin E 500 IU
A high-strength vitamin E supplement in a gelatin-free, vegetarian capsule. Click Here to read more
The Wash Up
Vitamin E is a well recognised staple ingredient to achieving healthy skin. Adding a concentrated Vitamin E product into your night time skin care routine can help you attain hydrated, blemish-free skin and fight the signs of ageing.
References
[1] Health Direct, 2023. Vitamin E and Your Health https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vitamin-e-and-your-health#:~:text=As%20an%20antioxidant%2C%20vitamin%20E,promoting%20healthy%20vision%20and%20skin.
[2] Rizvi S, Raza ST, Ahmed F, Ahmad A, Abbas S, Mahdi F. The role of vitamin e in human health and some diseases. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J. 2014 May;14(2):e157-65. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3997530/
[3] Medicine Net, 2022, Vitamin E Topical https://www.medicinenet.com/vitamin_e_topical/article.htm
