The 5 benefits of vitamin E in skin care, according to dermatologists

If you are a lover of skin care or if you come eyeballs-You have probably noticed the recent trend of skin care enriched with vitamins, each new product promising to totally transform your face. And the last obsession? Good old vitamin E, you've probably heard about it before, but you probably have no idea what it does.

Because even though Vitamin E is present throughout the face serum that your friend has advised you to buy moisturizer at the back of your medicine cabinet, that does not explain why it is so popular or what it really does on the surface of your skin. That's why, because I have problems of trust and can not take anything in advance, I contacted a dermatologist for answers.

What is vitamin E?

Here is the tea on vitamin E – or tocopherol, as it is often called in ingredient labels. Ia natural antioxidant that protects your skin against free radicalssays Rita V. Linkner, MD, a dermatologist in New York.

Free radicals are the bad guys. These are molecules in the environment that damage your skin and weaken its elasticity. And you can not really avoid them because they come from everyday things like pollution, cigarette smoke, chemicals and the sun. Vitamin E, however, is an army that defends your skin against all that is asked of it. on a daily basis, protecting it as an invisible shield.

And because it also has important moisturizing and soothing properties, it is frequently added to most skincare, makeup and hair care products. Just check one of your products for vitamin E or tocopherol, and you are likely to see it.

Vitamin E helps prevent wrinkles and skin damage.

Yeah, really. Because vitamin E is a major antioxidant, it works naturally to neutralize all the environmental stresses that will destroy your collagen and cause fine lines and premature aging. But wait! * Cue Infomercial Voice * There is more! According to Dr. Linker, vitamin E is also a photoprotector – a product that, when used with sunscreen, helps to better combat the harmful effects of the sun.

So by loading yourself with vitamin E (with, you know, sunscreen, sunscreen and more sunscreen), you can not only protect yourself from UV rays, but also help prevent blemishes brown, fine lines, sagging skin, hyperpigmentation … I mean, the list goes on and on.

Bonus: Vitamin E is also extremely moisturizing.

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble ingredient, which means it's able to penetrate deep into your skin and preserve lipids (fats) from your face, says Dr. Linker, while soothing and healing your skin barrier (that is, the visible outer layer). .

So, if your skin barrier has cracks (due to irritation, inflammation, excessive use of acids or retinols), Vitamin E essentially closes these cracks to prevent moisture from escaping, keeping your skin hydrated and firm. Try a vitamin E oil if your skin is very dry or opt for a Vitamin E serum or toner if you want something lighter.

Will Vitamin E Cause Acne and Rashes?

Ok, so technically, no matter what could cause acne depending on your skin type. Fun! Yay! But when it comes to vitamin E, it really depends on the formulation. The goal is to find the right formula for your skin type.

If you have oily skin or prone to acne, using a heavy vitamin E-based product can clog your pores and pop you off, says Dr. Linker, but it's not because of vitamin E, it's because any heavy product can be dangerous for oily or acne-prone skin. Opt for a slightly moisturizing serum with vitamin E and be sure to test it just under your ear for a few days to see how your skin reacts to it.

Wait, is vitamin E or vitamin C better for skin lightening?

You've certainly heard about vitamin C – and, hey, maybe you're already using something that contains it – because he's the cool child of the beauty world right now. In the hierarchy of very important vitamins, where is vitamin E?

Here's the basics: Vitamin E is in itself a rock star (as literally shows everything you've read so far). But when vitamin E and vitamin C are combined, the antioxidant effects of both are magnified – it's a bit like a double espresso, but for your face..

Together, vitamins E and C are a powerful anti-aging that protects your skin from UV damage while promoting healthy growth of skin cells. They also help to brighten your skin's complexion, minimize free radical damage (at an even higher level) and increase your collagen production. (which means smoother, brighter and firmer skin). Sign me up. Ideally, you should find a serum containing vitamins C and E, but you can also try doubling your products in the morning, superimposing a moisturizer on a serum or oil on a moisturizer, or simply keeping your serum vitamin E night and using your vitamin C serum in the morning.

The bottom line

Are you sold again? Basically, vitamin E is the skin care ingredient par excellence that makes you dream: it moisturizes, protects you from the enemy (free radicals) and is full of anti-aging benefits. What more could you ask for?