You need to use vitamin E on your skin - here's why

Vitamin E is both a nutrient and antioxidant, with an extensive history of use in dermatology. In addition to being effective, it's also easy to find, easy to use, and can be found in a variety of products you probably already have, from serums to sunscreen. But is vitamin E good for your skin? And how do you know if it's worth including it in your skin care routine? To learn more about the benefits of vitamin E, we turned to Dr. A.S. Kavita Marivalla, a board certified dermatologist in West Islip, NY, and a Skincare.com consultant. Here's what she said and what we learned about vitamin E for your skin.

What is vitamin E?

Before you learn about the benefits of vitamin E for your skin, it's important to understand the basics. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble compound found primarily in certain vegetable oils and green vegetable leaves. Foods rich in vitamin E include canola oil, olive oil, margarine, almonds and peanuts. You can also get vitamin E from meat and some fortified cereals.

What does vitamin E do to your skin?

“Vitamin E is probably one of the most commonly used ingredients in skin care products that people are unaware of,” says Dr. Marivalla. “It is contained in the composition of tocopherol. It's a leather conditioner and it softens the skin well." As the antioxidant, vitamin E is known to help protect the surface of the skin from free radicals which can damage the largest organ of our body. 

What are free radicals, you ask? Free radicals are unstable molecules caused by a variety of environmental factors, including sun exposure, pollution, and smoke. When free radicals hit our skin, they can begin to break down collagen and elastin, causing the skin to show more visible signs of aging—think wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots.

Vitamin E Skin Care Benefits

Does vitamin E protect against free radicals?

Vitamin E is primarily an antioxidant. It can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals caused by the environment. If you want to adequately protect your skin from the aggressors, use a serum or cream containing antioxidants such as vitamin E or C and pair it with a broad-spectrum, waterproof sunscreen. Together, antioxidants and SPF are an anti-aging force to be reckoned with. 

Be aware, however, that there is a small amount of vitamin E support to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, discoloration, or other signs of skin aging. It plays an important role in preventing premature skin aging, but is not necessarily an ingredient that can help reduce said signs of aging.

Does vitamin E moisturize the skin?

Because it is such a thick, dense oil, vitamin E is an excellent moisturizer, especially for those with dry skin. Apply to cuticles or hands to moisturize stubborn dry spots. Be careful when applying pure vitamin E on your face as it is very thick. Dr. Marivalla says she loves serums and moisturizers that contain vitamin E for extra hydration.

Does vitamin E make your skin glow?

“When the skin looks soft and supple, the light falls on it better, and then the skin appears more radiant,” says Dr. Marivalla. Regular exfoliation is still important if you want to speed up cell turnover and make your skin look more radiant. 

What skin care products contain vitamin E?

Now that you know what vitamin E can do for your skin, check out some of our favorite skin care products that contain this ingredient. 

SkinCeuticals Resveratrol BE

This serum is an antioxidant lover's dream. It boasts a combination of stable resveratrol fortified with baicalin and vitamin E. The formula helps neutralize free radical damage while protecting and strengthening the skin's water barrier. See our full review SkinCeuticals Resveratrol BE here.

Melting Milk Sunscreen La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60

Remember when we said that antioxidants and SPF are a great team? Instead of wearing them individually, use this sunscreen that's formulated with antioxidants like vitamin E and broad-spectrum SPF 60 to protect skin from harmful free radicals and UV rays. 

IT Cosmetics Hello Results Wrinkle Reducing Daily Serum-in-Cream with Retinol

This cream contains retinol, niacinamide and vitamin E to soften the appearance of fine lines and reduce dark spots. The smart pump package releases a pea-sized amount of product at a time, which is the recommended dosage for retinol. 

Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Moisturizing Face Cream

This lightweight, gentle moisturizer protects the skin barrier with vitamin E and contains soothing chamomile to soothe the skin. Sodium hyaluronate and panthenol are ideal for softening dry and sensitive skin.