Topical Vitamin E - Skin Benefits

What is Topical Vitamin E?

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble, nutrient with powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory skincare properties. Vitamin E also supports the immune system and protects cell membrane integrity. It protects the skin from various detrimental effects due to sun light radiation by acting as a free-radical scavenger. There are 8 types of Vitamin E namely α-,β-,γ-, and σ-tocopherols and their related tocotrienols. γ-tocopherol is found mostly in dietary foods, whereas α-tocopherol (α-Toc) is the most abundant vitamin E derivative in skin and human tissue. Vitamin E, occurring naturally in food is easily oxidized when exposed to air thus highlighting the limited stability of vitamin E. The stability of topical vitamin E is essential for it effectiveness in skin tissue. α-tocopherol is the most stable form of topical Vitamin E and is the most common form of Vitamin E found in skincare products.

What are the Top 3 Vitamin E benefits for skin?

Topical Vitamin E skincare has emerged as a commonly used treatment for several skin conditions due to its powerful and potent antioxidant properties. These are some of the skin benefits of Vitamin E:

1. Skin Brightening Effects of Vitamin E

Vitamin E topical treatments have been shown to cause depigmentation through interference with lipid peroxidation of melanocyte membranes (melanocytes produce melanin that causes darkening in the skin), Vitamin E also increases the intracellular glutathione content, and inhibition of tyrosinase all which contribute towards a brightening and even skin tone.

2. Benefits of Vitamin E for Acne Scars

Studies have shown the correction of defective keratinization of sebaceous follicles with a combination of vitamin E and vitamin C [1]. This was seen to prevent the formation of comedones, thus depriving the Propionibacterium acnes of a culture medium. Vitamin E prevents lipid peroxidation of serum from bacterial-induced leakage through follicles and sebaceous glands, thus preventing inflammation due to peroxide irritation. This prevents the formation of a post inflammatory acne scar.

3. Anti-Aging Benefits Topical Vitamin E

Topical Vitamin E is a popular treatment for many skin aging problems owing to its antioxidant properties. It is known that reactive oxygen species will alter the biosynthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycans in your skin causing fine lines and wrinkles as you age. Vitamin E anti-oxidant properties neutralize these reactive oxygen species thus maintaining collagen biosynthesis.

What is the Mode of Action of Topical Vitamin E?

The long term and acute damage to your skin caused by Sunlight (UVB and UVA rays) are related to photosensitization reactions. Sun light radiation, more specifically UVAI sunlight at the wave frequency of 340–400 nm can penetrate the skin and cause damage to the very deepest layers of skin. This disrupts the collagen support structure in your skin resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. The aggression of UVA radiation attacks collagen and its supporting fibers including damage to the skins DNA within cells.

Studies have shown the activity of Vitamin E in blocking the damage caused by UVA radiation[2].

Vitamin E can suppress collagen degradation by inhibiting metalloprotein 1 (MMP-1), involved in the initial process of collagen hydrolysis [3]. Vitamin E also prevents the lipoperoxidation of cell membranes and the degradation of fatty acids that are essential for basic functioning of your skin[4] .

What are the Side Effects of Topical Vitamin E?

Topical application Vitamin E at the recommended dosage of 0.5-1% is a well tolerated and rarely causes side effects. Always patch test any product before use.

How to use Vitamin E Topically?

Topical vitamin e products should contain 0.5-1% of Vitamin E. Look for products that contain α-tocopherol as this is the most stable form of Vitamin E that can be absorbed easily into the skin. Vitamin E products use during the day must be applied before applying sun block.

Vitamin E Serums available in South Africa

Most Vitamin E Serums are available as combination products that have multiple synergistic skin benefits. The most common products are combined with Vitamin, C, Retinol and Hyaluronic acid.

Vitamin E SkinCare References

  1. Ayres S, Jr, Mihan R. Acne vulgaris: Therapy directed at pathophysiologic defects. 1981;28:41–2.
  2. Burke K, Clive J, Combs Jr GF, Commisso J, Keen CL, Nakamura R. Effects of topical and oral vitamin E on pigmentation and skin cancer induced by ultraviolet irradiation in Skh:2 hairless mice. Nutr Cancer. 2000;38(1):87-97
  3. Park K. Role of micronutrients in skin health and function. Biomol Ther. 2015;23(3):207-217
  4. Thiele JJ, Traber MG, Polefka TG, Cross CE, Packer L. Ozone-exposure depletes vitamin E and induces lipid peroxidation in murine stratum corneum. J Invest Dermatol. 1997;108(5):753-757

 

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