What Dermatologists Want You to Know About Vitamin E Oil for Skin
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There are a slew of serums and creams designed to cleanse, treat, and nourish our complexions in the quest for a healthy glow. But what about plain old vitamin E oil for skin?
Vitamin E is an ingredient found in many skincare products, from moisturizers to anti-aging serums to face sunscreens. “Vitamin E is mainly touted for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective, and moisturizing properties,” explains Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA.
Meet the experts: Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ; and Janiene Luke, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Loma Linda, CA
Below, experts explain everything you need to know about using vitamin E oil for the skin, including benefits, when to use it, and potential side effects.
What is vitamin E?
“Vitamin E is lipid-soluble, derived from plants, and obtained by humans through our diet,” explains Dr. Luke. “There are multiple ‘types’ of vitamin E (also known as tocopherols) with α-tocopherol being the most abundant in human tissues.”
It’s also an antioxidant and is found in a lot of skincare products, including sunscreens, explains Karan Lal, D.O., M.S., F.A.A.D., double board-certified dermatologist with Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ, who notes that you can often find the ingredient called “tocopherol acetate” on product labels.
Benefits of vitamin E oil for skin
Moisturizing skin
Dr. Luke points out the moisturizing properties as one of the main benefits of vitamin E, which makes sense given that it’s included in so many hydrating formulas. While more research is needed, vitamin E oil may be beneficial in helping to treat dry, flaky skin.
Contains anti-aging properties
Vitamin E is “a potent antioxidant and can help fight free radicals,” Dr. Lal explains of the oil’s anti-aging properties. Free radicals often damage the collagen and elastin in the skin which keeps skin looking firm and youthful.
May help prevent UV damage
Dr. Luke adds that combining the ingredient with vitamin C further enhances these results. “Vitamins E and C work together synergistically to inhibit the UV damage that can lead to photoaging and skin cancer,” she explains. But more research is needed.
Ease eczema symptoms
The American Academy of Dermatology Association found that topical application of vitamin E showed improvement in symptoms associated with eczema, like “itching, redness, swelling, excoriation, and skin thickening.” However, more research is needed in this area.
Wound healing
Research has found that oral supplementation of vitamin E (along with vitamin C and zinc) has a positive effect on reduced wound healing time. However, when it comes to topical application of vitamin E oil for wound healing, “the data is not robust in this area,” Luke explains, meaning that more research is needed.
Scar reduction
Vitamin E oil has some “really good, low-level data on improving scars,” explains Dr. Lal, noting that it’s commonly used on surgical scars (with physician guidance and approval) to help reduce the appearance of scarring.
Side effects of vitamin E oil for skin
While using vitamin E oil and products formulated with the vitamin is mostly safe, side effects are possible.
Skin irritation
“Because over-the-counter/topical products are not typically regulated, there can be variability of quality, type, and concentration of vitamin E amongst the brands,” Dr. Luke notes. “In addition, some people may experience irritation or other sensitivity to vitamin E oil, especially if it contains or is mixed with ingredients that may be irritating or sensitizing.”
Allergic reaction
Dr. Lal adds that some people are also allergic to vitamin E and its oil form, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis or skin reaction when applied topically.
Acne
Vitamin E oil is not known to be a comedogenic or acne-causing ingredient, but Dr. Lal believes that “any oil that you put on the skin has the ability to occlude your sebaceous glands—so it could cause an acne flare-up in those that are prone to acne.”
How much vitamin E do you need?
Vitamin E is a “systemic antioxidant” that’s beneficial for “overall health” when obtained through diet or taken orally in supplement form, says Dr. Lal. He adds that for those who already take a multivitamin, there is likely no need for further supplementation as most formulas include vitamin E.
For those looking to take a vitamin E supplement or ensure they are reaching the correct amount, Dr. Luke notes that the recommended daily amount of vitamin E is 15 mg/day of α-tocopherol. But it’s best to speak with your provider for a more personal recommendation focusing on your needs.
While clinical evidence is limited on oral supplementation of vitamin E and skin health, “there are some studies that show benefit from taking vitamin E if you have an underlying inflammatory skin disease such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis,” Dr. Luke explains.
Dr. Lal also points out that vitamin E can act as a blood thinner (similar to NSAIDs like Ibuprofen). If you are taking vitamin E orally, it’s important to tell your physician prior to any procedure (including cosmetic ones like Botox or filler) and follow their directions on whether you should continue taking it.
How to use vitamin E oil for skin
If you’d like to try using vitamin E oil (note: not supplements) for your skin, Dr. Luke and Dr. Lal both recommend opting for products that contain vitamin E to avoid any additives that may be irritating to the skin.
Many people prefer to use pure vitamin E oil for concerns like scarring or dryness, but if you go this route be sure to inspect the label and look for “pure vitamin E” to avoid “variables that could lead to reactions of the skin,” says Dr. Lal.
You can use vitamin E or vitamin E oil at any time of day, but due to its antioxidant properties, Dr. Luke typically recommends “using these products in the morning to help protect the skin and prevent damage” from the environment.
Whenever you try a new product, whether it’s pure vitamin E oil or a new skincare product formulated with the ingredient, it’s important to do a patch test before applying it all over. Dr. Luke says to apply the product on a small area like underneath the chin, along the jawline, or behind the ear, and wait 24 to 48 hours to see if you experience any type of reaction or irritation before adding it to your routine.
Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.
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