Vitamin E brings numerous benefits to the body in general and the skin in particular. In this article, let’s explore the impact of vitamin E and how to use it effectively, safely, and without encountering any side effects.
Vitamin E is a light yellow liquid substance, soluble in alcohol, oil, and water. Vitamin E can withstand relatively high temperatures and is not destroyed during cooking, but ultraviolet (UV) rays quickly degrade it. Besides being present in various foods (such as nuts, green vegetables, and grains), vitamin E is often found in some supplements or functional foods in liquid form, solution, capsules, soft gel capsules, and powder for solution.
7 “magical” effects of vitamin E on the skin
1. Moisturizes the skin
The most common effect of vitamin E in skincare is its ability to keep the skin smooth and improve dryness, roughness, and flakiness. Vitamin E is excellent at moisturizing the skin.
2. Prevents wrinkles
Dry skin tends to develop wrinkles more easily than well-hydrated skin. Therefore, thanks to its excellent moisturizing properties, vitamin E can prevent aging, reduce wrinkles, and make the skin firm and youthful.
3. Fades acne scars
Vitamin E contains alpha-tocopherol, a powerful antioxidant that supports anti-inflammatory actions and promotes skin regeneration. As a result, existing and forming scars can be minimized, restoring smoothness to the skin.
4. Prevents skin cancer
Vitamin E can heal skin damage caused by sunlight exposure. Consequently, skin cells recover without transforming into cancer cells. Therefore, many studies suggest that supplementing with vitamin E can prevent skin cancer caused by UV rays in sunlight.
5. Reduces skin itching
Dry skin tends to cause more severe itching. Properly moisturizing the skin helps alleviate itching. Therefore, thanks to its excellent moisturizing ability, vitamin E helps quickly reduce uncomfortable itching symptoms.
6. Soothes sunburn
Another benefit of vitamin E is soothing dry, burnt, and irritated skin due to sunburn. At the same time, it protects the skin from harmful oxidative stress.
7. Supports the treatment of eczema and psoriasis
Using vitamin E supplements can help alleviate symptoms of eczema such as dry, flaky, and peeling skin. Additionally, those with mild psoriasis can also use vitamin E oil to reduce symptoms of the condition without encountering any adverse effects.
Some potential side effects of overdosing on vitamin E
In general, vitamin E is relatively safe for human health. However, when taken in high doses, vitamin E can still cause side effects.
Our bodies typically absorb only 8-10 mg of vitamin E per day on average. With high doses of 400 IU/day, vitamin E can cause some side effects such as fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and mild rashes.
Furthermore, overdosing on vitamin E can lead to more serious problems such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, digestive disorders, dizziness, fainting, and impaired vision.
Some studies also indicate that taking vitamin E orally may increase the risk of prostate cancer, or even death in individuals with severe heart diseases. Therefore, caution should be exercised when using vitamin E, especially for those with diabetes, vitamin K deficiency, liver diseases, a history of heart pain, or stroke.
Using vitamin E supplements
Experts recommend the following dosages of vitamin E supplements:
– Adults: 8-10 mg per day
– Pregnant women: 15 mg per day (~ 22.4 IU per day)
– Breastfeeding women: 19 mg per day (~ 28.5 IU per day)
Using Vitamin E topically
- Cleanse your face with warm water to deeply cleanse and keep pores open.
- Cut open a vitamin E capsule to extract the nutrients inside and apply them evenly to your face.
- Gently massage and leave the mask overnight or for at least 4 – 6 hours to allow the nutrients to penetrate deeply into the skin.
- Rinse your face with water to remove any accumulated dirt.
Using skincare products containing Vitamin E
Using skincare products containing Vitamin E is one of the most effective and safe methods chosen by most women. Since these products have undergone studies, skincare products containing Vitamin E will provide high efficiency. At the same time, they help limit risks or irritations compared to other methods.
Currently, there are many types of skincare products containing Vitamin E, such as facial cleansers, serums, moisturizers, face masks, and skincare essences. However, you should also choose reputable brands, and carefully read the ingredient list to select products suitable for your skin type and needs.