Vitamin E in skincare: everything you need to know for a radiant skin

Vitamin E in skincare products is one of the most popular ingredients, but why is that? Perhaps you’ve heard that it’s good for your skin, but do you know exactly how it works? This powerful antioxidant plays a crucial role in skincare by protecting the skin from harmful external influences, such as UV radiation and pollution, and helps in the recovery of damaged skin cells. In this blog, we will explore what vitamin E can do for the skin, how it works, and how to safely incorporate it into your skincare routine.

What is Vitamin E?

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that naturally occurs in the skin. It protects our skin against damage from free radicals, which arise from things like sunlight, pollution, and stress. These free radicals are like small, unstable particles that can damage our skin cells.

Natural vs. Synthetic Vitamin E

Vitamin E comes in two main forms: natural and synthetic. Although both variants have many similarities, there are important differences that affect their effectiveness and bioavailability.

Natural Vitamin E in Skin Care

Natural vitamin E, also known as d-alpha-tocopherol, is extracted from plant sources such as wheat germ, sunflower oil, and nuts. This form consists of a mixture of various tocopherols and tocotrienols, which work synergistically to protect and nourish the skin. Natural vitamin E often contains additional phytonutrients that enhance the absorption and efficacy of the antioxidant. This synergistic action makes natural vitamin E particularly effective in protecting the skin from oxidative stress and promoting skin health.

Synthetic Vitamin E in Skin Care

Synthetic vitamin E, often referred to as dl-alpha-tocopherol, is produced in laboratories and usually consists of one isolated form of vitamin E. Although it has the same basic structure as the natural variant, synthetic vitamin E lacks the complexity and full spectrum of tocopherols and phytonutrients. As a result, its effectiveness and absorption into the skin may be less than the natural form. Despite it still having antioxidant properties, synthetic vitamin E does not offer the same biological benefits as its natural counterpart.

How do you recognize natural and synthetic form?

The difference between natural and synthetic vitamin E can be difficult to recognize on the label of skincare products. Here are some tips to make the distinction:

• Source citation: Look for ingredients such as wheat germ or sunflower oil. This often indicates natural vitamin E.
• Specific indication: Terms such as “d-alpha-tocopherol” or “mixture of tocopherols” indicate a natural source, while “dl-alpha-tocopherol” indicates synthetic vitamin E.
• Price difference: Natural vitamin E is often more expensive than the synthetic variant due to the more complex production process.

Why choose natural vitamin E in skincare?

Natural vitamin E has been proven to have superior absorption and effectiveness compared to synthetic variants. The combination of various tocopherols and other bioactive substances contributes to a wider range of protective and restorative activities for the skin. Although more research is needed to fully understand the exact benefits, studies suggest that natural vitamin E is more effective in reducing skin damage, improving hydration, and slowing down skin aging.

Iconic Elements Products

At Iconic Elements, we place great value on the power of natural ingredients to optimally care for and protect the skin. That’s why we use natural vitamin E in our products, which comes from plant-based sources such as sunflower oil, jojoba oil, and argan oil. These oils are rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that nourish, hydrate, and protect the skin from harmful external influences.

In our Anti-Aging Cream, we combine natural vitamin E with vitamin C and ferulic acid, a potent mix that delivers an enhanced antioxidant effect. This combination works synergistically to neutralize free radicals, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce signs of skin aging. Together, these ingredients provide effective protection against skin damage and help the skin look younger and healthier.

How does vitamin E work for the skin?

1. Protection against Free Radicals

Imagine an apple that you have cut. After a while, the apple turns brown, right? That’s due to a process called oxidation. Free radicals are essentially the ‘browning’ in your body. They slowly destroy your cells, including your skin cells.

Vitamin E is like a protective layer for your skin cells. It prevents free radicals from damaging the cells, just as you can dip an apple in lemon juice to prevent it from turning brown. Thus, vitamin E helps your skin look young and healthy.

Clinical studies have shown that regular use of vitamin E in skincare products can help make the skin look younger and more radiant. Especially in combination with other antioxidants and UV filters, such as sunscreen, vitamin E can significantly increase the effectiveness of your anti-aging routine.

2. Hydration and Recovery

Vitamin E is a versatile ingredient that promotes skin health in various ways. As an antioxidant, it protects the skin from harmful free radicals and as a moisturizer, it helps strengthen the skin barrier.

By strengthening the skin barrier, vitamin E reduces trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). TEWL is a process where moisture evaporates from the deeper skin layers through the epidermis. Imagine the skin as a brick wall with cement in between: the bricks are the skin cells and the cement are the lipids (fats) that bind the cells together. If the cement is damaged, cracks can occur through which moisture can escape. Vitamin E helps repair and reinforce this ‘cement layer’, which helps the skin stay better hydrated.

Moreover, vitamin E plays an important role in the recovery of the skin after damage, making it a valuable ingredient in the treatment of dry and irritated skin. By hydrating the skin and strengthening the skin barrier, vitamin E contributes to a healthy and radiant skin.

3. Reducing scars and stretch marks

Although there are indications that vitamin E can hydrate the skin and stimulate cell renewal, potentially contributing to the reduction of the visibility of scars and stretch marks, the scientific results on this are not unambiguous. The effectiveness varies per person and type of scar.

It is important to emphasize that vitamin E is not a miracle cure and additional treatments are often needed for optimal results. Nevertheless, the use of vitamin E can be a valuable addition to other treatments and it is generally safe to try.

Who is vitamin E suitable for?

Teens with Dry or Sensitive Skin

For teenagers with dry or sensitive skin, vitamin E can be a valuable addition to their daily skincare routine. Vitamin E helps to soothe and hydrate the skin, reducing redness and irritation. In addition, it provides antioxidant protection against harmful external influences, such as UV radiation and pollution. By strengthening the skin barrier, vitamin E can also help to reduce moisture loss.

2. People with Damaged or Irritated Skin

Vitamin E has soothing properties and can aid in skin recovery after irritation, sunburn, or minor wounds. It contributes to calming the skin and strengthening the skin barrier. Although vitamin E can help the skin recover faster, there are other factors that also play a role in the recovery process.

3. Everyone who suffers from pigmentation or spots

Vitamin E can be a valuable addition to your skincare routine, especially for pigmentation spots caused by inflammation, such as acne or small wounds. It can help to soothe the skin and reduce the formation of new pigmentation spots. For other types of pigmentation spots, such as melasma or age spots, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist for personal advice.

How do you use vitamin E?

Choose Formulated Products

Safety: It is safest to use vitamin E in products specifically designed for the skin, such as serums, creams, or moisturizers. These products often contain vitamin E in a stable form and are combined with other moisturizing and protective ingredients.

Correct concentration: Cosmetic products are formulated with an optimal concentration of vitamin E, reducing the risk of irritation.

Safe Concentration of Vitamin E: Concentration from 0.1% to 1%: This is a common and safe concentration often used in skincare and anti-aging products. This concentration is effective for hydration, protection against free radicals, and support of the skin barrier without the risk of irritation. Concentrations that may cause skin problems:

Concentration above 5%: Higher concentrations and pure vitamin E oil can be too strong for some skin types. In some people, this can cause irritations, allergic reactions, or contact dermatitis, especially in sensitive skin types. This is because vitamin E, although antioxidant, can also affect the skin barrier, leading to redness, itching, or inflammation.

2. Patch Test Can Detect If You Are Allergic

Prevent allergic reactions: Before applying a new product with vitamin E to your entire face, it is always wise to perform a patch test. Apply a small amount to an inconspicuous spot, such as the inside of your wrist, and wait 24-48 hours. If no redness, itching or other irritation occurs, you can safely use the product on your face.

A trick is ROAT which you can do at home with your own products. More about ROAT

3. Use the Correct Amount

Avoid excess: Although vitamin E has many benefits, too much of it can actually clog the skin. Follow the instructions on the product label and do not use more than the recommended amount.

Combine with other ingredients: Vitamin E often works best in combination with other hydrating and protective ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and sunscreens.

4. Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Vitamin E and sunscreen: Although Vitamin E can protect the skin against free radicals, it does not provide complete protection against the harmful UV rays of the sun. Always use a sunscreen with a high protection factor, even on cloudy days.

Common Misconceptions about Vitamin E

“Vitamin E helps against wrinkles in young people”

Although vitamin E helps to slow down skin aging, it will not completely prevent wrinkles in young people. It is better to see it as a protective layer that keeps the skin healthy.

2. “More is Better”

Use vitamin E in the correct dosage. Too much vitamin E can actually have the opposite effect and make your skin oilier than you would like.

3. “All Vitamin E is the Same”

There are various forms of vitamin E, of which tocopherol and tocopheryl acetate are the most common in skin care products. Both are effective, but some people may be more sensitive to a certain form. Natural vitamin E works better than the synthetic variant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. Can I apply Vitamin E oil directly to my skin?
It is not advisable to use pure Vitamin E oil directly on your face, especially if you have sensitive or oily skin. It’s better to use a formulated product.

2. How often should I use vitamin E?
For most skin types, daily use is fine, but pay attention to how your skin reacts and decrease the frequency if you notice that your skin becomes too oily.

3. Is vitamin E good for acne?
Vitamin E can assist in repairing skin damage caused by acne, but it can also clog pores in some skin types. Choose products that are non-comedogenic if you are acne-prone.

4. Can I combine vitamin E with other antioxidants?
Yes, vitamin E works well with other antioxidants such as vitamin C. Together they offer even better protection against free radicals.

5. Does vitamin E really help reduce scars?
The effects can vary, but many people experience relief from their scars with consistent use of vitamin E.

6. Is vitamin E safe during the summer?
Yes, but don’t forget to always use a sunscreen. Vitamin E protects against free radicals, but does not provide UV protection.

Vitamin E is a potent ingredient that has a lot to offer for the skin. Whether you’re looking for hydration, protection against free radicals, or help with fine lines, Vitamin E can be a valuable addition to your skincare routine.

Now that You’re Here

What does dermatologically tested mean? Do you want to know what the term “dermatologically tested” exactly means on skincare products? In this blog, we explain what this term means and why it is important, especially if you have sensitive skin. Read further to discover more!