What Is Vitamin E? 5 Powerful Skin Care Benefits + More

For more than 50 years, vitamin E has been a go-to ingredient in the skin care and supplement industry. And when you consider vitamin E's all-star reputation as a luscious moisturizer and superstar antioxidant, it makes perfect sense. This is especially true when you utilize vitamin E both topically and internally. Here, learn what vitamin E can do for your skin, along with tips for using it.

Naturally, your body cannot produce vitamin E, so you need to ingest it through your diet or supplementation. Most people get enough vitamin E4 through the diet, so true deficiency is quite rare. (It's found in sources like almonds, wheat bran, sunflower seeds, spinach, and broccoli.) However, you may not be getting enough to optimize the skin benefits, meaning you may want to consider finding a supplement with vitamin E—as well as using it topically.

It also has antioxidative abilities.* "As an antioxidant, vitamin E fights against oxidative damage by [stabilizing] free radicals," says Gonzalez.* It does so by donating an electron to free radicals, which neutralizes the molecular troublemakers. And according to Monica Auslander Moreno, M.S., R.D., LDN, this reduces the body's level of oxidative stress, the process behind inflammation and skin aging. 

Vitamin E's antioxidative properties can provide a generous dose of photoprotection5.* This is very important, as your skin has a front-row seat to a sunlit show. And while vitamin E isn't a replacement for your regular sunscreen, it can certainly enhance your level of protection.* 

However, with vitamin E in the picture, you can help quell inflammation.* "Use of vitamin E may help manage signs of inflammation, like redness and swelling, by decreasing production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins10 and interleukins," says Camp.* Its anti-inflammatory effect on the skin can also help inhibit skin damage after sunlight exposure.*  

Yet, the mechanisms behind vitamin E's moisturizing effect are unclear, says Camp. It may be related to the way it builds up in the lipid matrix in the outer layer of the epidermis, called the stratum corneum. It's also likely that the vitamin accumulates in the sebaceous glands when it's applied to the skin. Regardless, folks have reported great success using vitamin E as a moisturizer. It may be the pick-me-up your skin needs if it's feeling dry and tight.

According to anecdotal reports, applying vitamin E topically can speed up wound healing. People also use it to ease itchiness and reduce the appearance of scars, including those due to acne or surgery. And while there isn't solid scientific evidence to prove these effects, it's speculated that it may be related to vitamin E's anti-inflammatory abilities. The nutrient might also benefit scar formation during healing by interacting with lipids in cell membranes.

Here's the deal behind this power couple: Vitamin C regenerates vitamin E after the latter scavenges free radicals. This further reduces oxidative damage11 to cell membranes. Meanwhile, "vitamin E helps stabilize vitamin C and keeps it from degrading quickly," says Camp. So, if you'd like to use vitamin E, don't forget to invite vitamin C to the party too.

And though it's uncommon, topical vitamin E can also cause reactions like contact dermatitis or hives. If you have sensitive skin, always spot-test new products or oils on your forearm before using it on your face.

Vitamin E is beloved for many reasons, both topically and internally. Not only does the antioxidant help fight oxidative stress, soothe inflammation, moisturize topically, and aid in healthy aging, but it pairs well with other nutrients, like vitamin C. This is especially important when it comes to collagen production in the body, as vitamin C and E will help manage your body's ability to stabilize and produce collagen. Consider using it topically, or be sure to look for it as an ingredient in your supplements.