Vitamin E for the skin

Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble compounds that act as antioxidants. The best-known and most biologically active form of vitamin E is tocopherol (especially alpha-tocopherol), but tocotrienols also belong to the vitamin E family and have similar but partly different properties.

In natural cosmetics, vitamin E is often used in the form of tocopherol (usually listed as "vitamin E" on the labels). It can be extracted from vegetable oils such as wheat germ, sunflower or olive oil.

1. Strong antioxidant protection

Vitamin E is best known as an antioxidant. It protects the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals caused by external environmental influences such as UV radiation, air pollution and smoke. These free radicals can damage skin cells and lead to premature skin aging by attacking collagen and elastin fibers. Vitamin E neutralizes these free radicals and thus protects the skin from oxidative stress and the signs of skin aging.

2. Promote skin regeneration

Vitamin E supports the skin's repair process by stimulating cell regeneration. It promotes the healing of skin damage, such as minor cuts, burns or skin irritations. Therefore, it is often used in products to treat scars, stretch marks or acne scars. It helps to improve the skin's appearance by speeding up the healing process and reducing the appearance of scars and irregularities.

3. Moisturizing

Vitamin E is a moisturizer that helps keep the skin soft and supple. It supports the skin barrier by preventing moisture loss and protecting the skin from drying out. In combination with other nourishing ingredients, such as fats and oils, vitamin E can intensively moisturize the skin and provide long-lasting hydration.

4. Soothing and anti-inflammatory effect

Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties that make it an excellent ingredient for sensitive or irritated skin. It can help treat redness, itching, and inflammation, and soothes the skin. This effect is particularly beneficial for skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis.

5. Protection against UV damage

Although vitamin E does not provide complete sun protection, it does help protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. It helps protect the skin from sun-generated damage such as sunburn and premature aging by neutralizing free radicals and reducing inflammation in tissues. It is often used as a supplement in sunscreens or after sun care products.

6. Anti-aging effects

By fighting free radicals and promoting cell regeneration, vitamin E helps slow down the skin's aging process. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promotes radiant, fresh skin. When combined with other anti-aging ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E can improve skin texture and increase its elasticity and firmness.

7. Protection from environmental influences

Vitamin E not only protects the skin from UV rays, but also from other environmental factors such as air pollution and harmful chemicals. These environmental factors can damage skin cells and lead to premature skin aging. As an antioxidant, vitamin E forms a protective barrier that protects the skin from external stresses and thus reduces the risk of skin irritation and inflammation.

8. Promotes skin elasticity

Vitamin E helps increase skin elasticity by supporting collagen production. This is especially helpful in keeping skin firm and taut, which is especially beneficial for mature skin or skin that has been weakened by stretching or weight changes.

Dry skin: Vitamin E is particularly beneficial for dry skin as it provides intense hydration and strengthens the skin barrier. It helps soften the skin, relieve dryness and prevent dehydration by protecting the skin from moisture loss.

Sensitive skin: Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe sensitive skin. It helps reduce redness and irritation and promotes the healing of skin irritations. It acts as a protective shield against external stimuli and supports the regeneration of the skin.

Mature skin: For mature skin, vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant that can slow the formation of wrinkles and fine lines. It promotes collagen production and improves skin elasticity, making skin look younger and firmer. It also helps repair skin damage caused by UV radiation.

Acne-prone skin: Vitamin E also has benefits for people with acne. It can help reduce scarring and promote the healing of blemishes. However, it should be used with caution as vitamin E could clog pores in some cases if you have very oily skin. If you have acne, it is best to use it in the form of non-comedogenic products.

Oily skin: Oily skin can also benefit from vitamin E, especially if the product has a lighter formulation. It helps soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and hydrate the skin at the same time without overloading it.

In summary: Vitamin E is beneficial for almost all skin types as it moisturizes, soothes the skin, counteracts skin aging and supports the healing process. Skin types with dry, sensitive or mature skin especially benefit from its regenerating and protective properties. However, with oily and acne-prone skin, one should be careful and make sure to use suitable, non-comedogenic products.