How Good Is Vitamin E for Skin? Here’s What the Dermatologists Say

Vitamin E is naturally present in many foods, such as nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and leafy green vegetables. It’s also available as a dietary supplement and is a common ingredient in many skin care products. Due to its fat-soluble nature, it’s integrated seamlessly into the cell membranes, where it acts to stabilize these structures and protect them from harmful oxidation.

Despite its widespread availability through diet, vitamin E deficiency is quite rare but can occur in certain health conditions where fat absorption is impaired. These include genetic disorders, certain pancreatic issues, and individuals who have undergone specific types of gastric surgeries.

What Are the Benefits of Vitamin E for Skin

Dermatologists who advocate for the use of vitamin E often highlight its potent antioxidant effects, which are particularly beneficial for the skin.

One of the primary roles of vitamin E is to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation, which can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. It does this by integrating into the cell membranes where it acts directly to neutralize free radicals—unstable molecules that can harm cells and contribute to inflammation and disease. By stopping the chain reaction of lipid peroxidation, vitamin E helps preserve the integrity of skin cells, which can lead to a healthier complexion.

Beyond its antioxidant capabilities, vitamin E is also involved in immune function and cellular signaling. Its ability to enhance skin health extends to improving skin moisture by strengthening the skin’s barrier function, reducing trans-epidermal water loss, and maintaining skin’s moisture and elasticity.

For individuals with specific skin conditions such as melasma, scars, and yellow nail syndrome, vitamin E has been suggested as a potential remedy. However, the scientific support for these uses is limited, with more robust research needed to establish definitive benefits.

The interaction of vitamin E with other antioxidants like vitamin C and selenium plays a critical role in its effectiveness. Andrea Suarez, MD, FAAD, who is a huge fan of vitamin E, says, “Selenium is also very important in the regeneration of vitamin E; so much so that individuals who have selenium deficiency show many of the same signs and symptoms of vitamin E deficiency.” These substances help regenerate vitamin E, enabling it to continue its protective actions within the body and skin. Thus, a holistic approach that includes a balanced diet rich in various antioxidants may provide the best protective effects against skin damage and aging.

Does Vitamin E Work In Skincare?

However, not all dermatologists are in favor of widespread vitamin E usage, particularly when applied topically. Despite its popularity, the clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of Vitamin E in skincare is mixed. Some studies suggest that when Vitamin E is applied topically, it can aid in protecting the skin against sun damage and may help reduce the appearance of scars. However, these effects are often observed only when Vitamin E is combined with other antioxidants, such as Vitamin C.

A significant consideration, as pointed out by Suarez above, is that Vitamin E might not be as effective when used alone. High concentrations, especially in products like Vitamin E oils that claim to treat scars or combat aging, have not consistently shown superior results in clinical settings. In some cases, products with high doses of Vitamin E have not performed better than a placebo in improving skin conditions like scarring.

Moreover, Vitamin E can cause adverse reactions in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin. Dr Lim Ing Kien isn’t a big fan of vitamin E in skincare, especially in concentrated form. He warns about the danger of using vitamin E on dry skin, “Time and time again, we will see atopic dermatitis or skin irritation due to excessive use of Vitamin E on the skin.”