Vitamin E: role and benefits on general health and skin
Posted by Ivatherm
Vitamin E, also known as tocopherol, is an important nutrient for the proper functioning of the body, supporting vision, the reproductive system, and skin and brain health.
Vitamin E has been used in dermatology for over 50 years, being an important ingredient in many cosmetic products, as it supports the body's natural barrier against free radicals.
In this blog post, you will discover more useful information about vitamin E. We will explore the benefits of this vitamin for the entire body, such as reducing the risk of developing neurodegenerative or heart conditions. Furthermore, we will review the benefits of vitamin E for the skin, concerning hyperpigmentation, aging, hydration, and certain conditions.
Contents
What is vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a nutrient that the body cannot produce on its own. It comes from certain foods, such as nuts and seeds, but is also found in nutritional supplements and cosmetic products.
Vitamin E has antioxidant & anti-inflammatory properties
Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means it can stop or reverse cell damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants are substances that can protect cells against the action of free radicals, those molecules produced when the body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and ultraviolet radiation. According to studies, free radicals have been associated with heart conditions and cancer.
It can also reduce inflammation in the body, helping to alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.
Absorption of vitamin E: food & cosmetics
Vitamin E is fat-soluble, so the body absorbs it when foods and nutritional supplements containing it are consumed or when cosmetic products are applied to the skin. Being lipophilic, it penetrates the skin more easily through sebum, an oily substance that protects and provides the necessary moisture to the skin. As a result, skin areas with more sebaceous glands, such as the face, have higher amounts of vitamin E. And, because people with oily skin have more sebum, they also have more vitamin E on their skin.
Both sebum and vitamin E levels naturally decrease with age. The amount of vitamin E is also reduced due to ultraviolet radiation.
The body stores vitamin E in the skin, both in the epidermis and in the deeper layers of the dermis. This is one of the reasons why many skin care products contain vitamin E, such as:
Body moisturizers
Anti-aging creams and serums
Lip balms
etc.
Vitamin E is found in numerous foods. The richest sources of vitamin E are the following:
Nuts
Spinach
Whole grains
Olive oil
Sunflower oil.
Vitamin E deficiency & recommended daily allowance
Vitamin E is actually a group of fat-soluble vitamins: four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. However, only the alpha-tocopherol form meets the needs of the human body.
Vitamin E deficiency can cause neuropathy, a disorder in which peripheral nerves are affected.
The recommended daily amount of vitamin E for adults is 15 milligrams.
What are the benefits of vitamin E for overall health?
Vitamin E plays numerous roles in maintaining body health. The most well-known benefits are associated with its antioxidant properties, which help protect cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing harmful molecules called free radicals, but it can also contribute to reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases.
1. Vitamin E can reduce markers of oxidative stress
Oxidative stress is an imbalance that occurs when there is a large amount of free radicals in the body, which can lead to cell damage and the development of chronic diseases.
Free radicals are constantly formed in the body, both due to external factors (pollution, ultraviolet radiation) and internal factors (high blood sugar levels, infections). Therefore, antioxidants are essential in the fight against free radicals.
Because vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body, studies have shown that it can reduce markers of oxidative stress.
A 2021 study showed that adding vitamin E and vitamin C supplements to the daily diet for eight weeks can reduce markers of oxidative stress in women suffering from endometriosis.
2. Vitamin E can reduce the risk of developing heart conditions
High blood pressure and high blood lipid levels, such as LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, can contribute to an increased risk of developing heart disease.
Research suggests that vitamin E supplements can help reduce risk factors for heart conditions.
Some studies also show that taking vitamin E along with omega-3 supplements can reduce LDL and triglyceride levels in people with metabolic syndrome.
3. Vitamin E can delay cognitive decline
Maintaining optimal vitamin E levels and taking nutritional supplements can help protect the body against cognitive decline.
Some research has shown that high doses of vitamin E could delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease in people diagnosed with a mild to moderate form.
4. Vitamin E can reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions
Also, some research suggests that a higher intake of vitamin E from the diet – not from nutritional supplements – is associated with a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease. However, in people who already suffer from this condition, supplementing with vitamin E does not slow the progression of the disease.
What are the benefits of Vitamin E for the skin?
The benefits of vitamin E for the skin derive from two of its key characteristics: its antioxidant properties, which help the body fight inflammation and free radicals, and its moisturizing properties.
Thus, vitamin E has the following benefits for the skin:
1. Helps to fade hyperpigmentation
Dark spots on the skin appear when the amount of melanin in the body changes. This can happen due to hormonal changes, as well as other causes, such as prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays and aging.
Applying products containing vitamin E to the skin can help fade hyperpigmentation. Research has shown that vitamin E has better results in treating pigmented spots when used together with vitamin C.
2. Reduces signs of aging
Dry skin tends to look more wrinkled than well-hydrated skin. The moisturizing benefits of vitamin E can help the skin look younger by fading the signs of aging, namely fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E protects the skin from ultraviolet rays, responsible for premature skin aging.
3. Hydrates the skin
Researchers have found that products containing vitamin E can hydrate the skin. Vitamin E is found in many moisturizing cosmetic products, intended to prevent or treat dry and flaky skin.
4. Reduces itching
Vitamin E cannot treat allergic reactions, infections, and other problems that cause skin itching (pruritus).
However, because it hydrates the skin, it can reduce the intensity of itching caused by dry skin.
Keeping the skin well hydrated can help prevent dry skin and its associated symptoms, such as itching.
5. Alleviates symptoms of some skin conditions
Vitamin E can alleviate dryness, itching, and flaking, symptoms associated with eczema, medically known as dermatitis.
A 2015 study showed that vitamin E significantly reduces eczema symptoms. Vitamin E oil can increase the effectiveness of topically applied moisturizers.
Research has also shown a link between topical vitamin E and the reduction of psoriasis symptoms. Other studies have indicated the role of vitamin E in accelerating wound healing.
How is vitamin E used?
Vitamin E is very beneficial when added to your skin care routine. Not only can it improve skin appearance, but it also has a protective role against harmful factors, such as sun exposure and pollution. This nutrient, with antioxidant properties, is found in numerous cosmetic products.
Ivatherm products containing vitamin E provide skin hydration and are beneficial in treating certain conditions, such as atopic dermatitis. Thus, products from the Cicaderm and Ivahidra+ ranges can be added to the daily skin care routine to provide the skin with the necessary hydration, as well as to restore skin integrity, soothe, and ensure long-term skin comfort.
Ivahidra + A.D Intensive Emollient Cream-Balm – with an innovative formula for very dry, irritated skin, with severe dryness and itching sensation. Restores skin barrier function and microbiome, intensely and lastingly hydrates, reduces redness and irritations associated with severely dry skin, reduces itching sensation.
Ivahidra + Intensive Moisturizing Face Cream – provides deep hydration, restoring the suppleness of dry and damaged skin from various causes. Has nourishing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects.
Cicaderm Barrier Cream – isolates, repairs, and protects skin accidentally or constantly exposed to irritating or allergenic substances. Prevents and reduces the risk of developing contact dermatitis.
Cicaderm Cream with Mimosa Tenuiflora – helps rapid healing of skin lesions and reduces the risk of scar formation. Reduces inflammation and aids in reconstructing skin integrity.
Conclusion
Vitamin E is an important nutrient for the proper functioning of the body. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it supports the immune system and offers skin protection against free radicals. The use of cosmetic products containing vitamin E helps reduce the risk of premature aging signs and protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.
Vitamin E: role and benefits on general health and skin
Vitamin E, also known as tocopherol, is an important nutrient for the proper functioning of the body, supporting vision, the reproductive system, and skin and brain health.
Vitamin E has been used in dermatology for over 50 years, being an important ingredient in many cosmetic products, as it supports the body's natural barrier against free radicals.
In this blog post, you will discover more useful information about vitamin E. We will explore the benefits of this vitamin for the entire body, such as reducing the risk of developing neurodegenerative or heart conditions. Furthermore, we will review the benefits of vitamin E for the skin, concerning hyperpigmentation, aging, hydration, and certain conditions.
Contents
What is vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a nutrient that the body cannot produce on its own. It comes from certain foods, such as nuts and seeds, but is also found in nutritional supplements and cosmetic products.
Vitamin E has antioxidant & anti-inflammatory properties
Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means it can stop or reverse cell damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants are substances that can protect cells against the action of free radicals, those molecules produced when the body breaks down food or is exposed to tobacco smoke and ultraviolet radiation. According to studies, free radicals have been associated with heart conditions and cancer.
It can also reduce inflammation in the body, helping to alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.
Absorption of vitamin E: food & cosmetics
Vitamin E is fat-soluble, so the body absorbs it when foods and nutritional supplements containing it are consumed or when cosmetic products are applied to the skin. Being lipophilic, it penetrates the skin more easily through sebum, an oily substance that protects and provides the necessary moisture to the skin. As a result, skin areas with more sebaceous glands, such as the face, have higher amounts of vitamin E. And, because people with oily skin have more sebum, they also have more vitamin E on their skin.
Both sebum and vitamin E levels naturally decrease with age. The amount of vitamin E is also reduced due to ultraviolet radiation.
The body stores vitamin E in the skin, both in the epidermis and in the deeper layers of the dermis. This is one of the reasons why many skin care products contain vitamin E, such as:
Vitamin E is found in numerous foods. The richest sources of vitamin E are the following:
Vitamin E deficiency & recommended daily allowance
Vitamin E is actually a group of fat-soluble vitamins: four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. However, only the alpha-tocopherol form meets the needs of the human body.
Vitamin E deficiency can cause neuropathy, a disorder in which peripheral nerves are affected.
The recommended daily amount of vitamin E for adults is 15 milligrams.
What are the benefits of vitamin E for overall health?
Vitamin E plays numerous roles in maintaining body health. The most well-known benefits are associated with its antioxidant properties, which help protect cells from oxidative damage by neutralizing harmful molecules called free radicals, but it can also contribute to reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases.
1. Vitamin E can reduce markers of oxidative stress
Oxidative stress is an imbalance that occurs when there is a large amount of free radicals in the body, which can lead to cell damage and the development of chronic diseases.
Free radicals are constantly formed in the body, both due to external factors (pollution, ultraviolet radiation) and internal factors (high blood sugar levels, infections). Therefore, antioxidants are essential in the fight against free radicals.
Because vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body, studies have shown that it can reduce markers of oxidative stress.
A 2021 study showed that adding vitamin E and vitamin C supplements to the daily diet for eight weeks can reduce markers of oxidative stress in women suffering from endometriosis.
2. Vitamin E can reduce the risk of developing heart conditions
High blood pressure and high blood lipid levels, such as LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides, can contribute to an increased risk of developing heart disease.
Research suggests that vitamin E supplements can help reduce risk factors for heart conditions.
Some studies also show that taking vitamin E along with omega-3 supplements can reduce LDL and triglyceride levels in people with metabolic syndrome.
3. Vitamin E can delay cognitive decline
Maintaining optimal vitamin E levels and taking nutritional supplements can help protect the body against cognitive decline.
Some research has shown that high doses of vitamin E could delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease in people diagnosed with a mild to moderate form.
4. Vitamin E can reduce the risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions
Also, some research suggests that a higher intake of vitamin E from the diet – not from nutritional supplements – is associated with a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease. However, in people who already suffer from this condition, supplementing with vitamin E does not slow the progression of the disease.
What are the benefits of Vitamin E for the skin?
The benefits of vitamin E for the skin derive from two of its key characteristics: its antioxidant properties, which help the body fight inflammation and free radicals, and its moisturizing properties.
Thus, vitamin E has the following benefits for the skin:
1. Helps to fade hyperpigmentation
Dark spots on the skin appear when the amount of melanin in the body changes. This can happen due to hormonal changes, as well as other causes, such as prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays and aging.
Applying products containing vitamin E to the skin can help fade hyperpigmentation. Research has shown that vitamin E has better results in treating pigmented spots when used together with vitamin C.
2. Reduces signs of aging
Dry skin tends to look more wrinkled than well-hydrated skin. The moisturizing benefits of vitamin E can help the skin look younger by fading the signs of aging, namely fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E protects the skin from ultraviolet rays, responsible for premature skin aging.
3. Hydrates the skin
Researchers have found that products containing vitamin E can hydrate the skin. Vitamin E is found in many moisturizing cosmetic products, intended to prevent or treat dry and flaky skin.
4. Reduces itching
Vitamin E cannot treat allergic reactions, infections, and other problems that cause skin itching (pruritus).
However, because it hydrates the skin, it can reduce the intensity of itching caused by dry skin.
Keeping the skin well hydrated can help prevent dry skin and its associated symptoms, such as itching.
5. Alleviates symptoms of some skin conditions
Vitamin E can alleviate dryness, itching, and flaking, symptoms associated with eczema, medically known as dermatitis.
A 2015 study showed that vitamin E significantly reduces eczema symptoms. Vitamin E oil can increase the effectiveness of topically applied moisturizers.
Research has also shown a link between topical vitamin E and the reduction of psoriasis symptoms. Other studies have indicated the role of vitamin E in accelerating wound healing.
How is vitamin E used?
Vitamin E is very beneficial when added to your skin care routine. Not only can it improve skin appearance, but it also has a protective role against harmful factors, such as sun exposure and pollution. This nutrient, with antioxidant properties, is found in numerous cosmetic products.
Ivatherm products containing vitamin E provide skin hydration and are beneficial in treating certain conditions, such as atopic dermatitis. Thus, products from the Cicaderm and Ivahidra+ ranges can be added to the daily skin care routine to provide the skin with the necessary hydration, as well as to restore skin integrity, soothe, and ensure long-term skin comfort.
Conclusion
Vitamin E is an important nutrient for the proper functioning of the body. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it supports the immune system and offers skin protection against free radicals. The use of cosmetic products containing vitamin E helps reduce the risk of premature aging signs and protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays.
Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-e/art-20364144#
https://www.healthline.com/health/all-about-vitamin-e#3
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-e/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318168
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4755091/
https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-vitamin-e
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3997530/
https://www.verywellfit.com/vitamin-e-supplements-what-you-need-to-know-90042
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/vitamin-e-for-skin-health/
https://www.healthline.com/health/vitamin-e-for-face#
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vitamin-e-for-skin#how-to-use
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/
Echipa Ivatherm
Conținutul IvaStories este creat de echipa Ivatherm, brand romanesc de dermatocosmetice fondat de Dr. Rucsandra Hurezeanu. Produsele Ivatherm sunt formulate cu Apă Termală Herculane și sunt testate dermatologic, recomandate de medici specialiști.