Vitamin E

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is essential for the maintenance of healthy skin. Naturally occurring vitamin E is not a single compound; instead, vitamin E is a group of molecules with related structures, some of which may have unique properties in skin. Vitamin E is also found as vitamin E conjugates that increase stability but require cellular metabolism for activation. Vitamin E is normally provided to the skin through the sebum. Topical application can also supply the skin with vitamin E and may provide specific vitamin E forms that are not available from the diet. As an antioxidant, vitamin E primarily reacts with reactive oxygen species. In addition, vitamin E can also absorb the energy from ultraviolet (UV) light. Thus, it plays important roles in photoprotection, preventing UV-induced free radical damage to skin. Vitamin E may also have related anti-inflammatory roles in the skin. Other roles of vitamin E in the skin are poorly understood because research is limited.

Benefits

1. Nourishes the Skin
Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj, a Delhi-based dermatologist says, “Vitamin E makes the nerves stronger and helps in nourishing your skin from within. Burst Vitamin E capsules with a safety pin and apply it onto the face for that soft, radiant skin you always wanted."

2. Treats Stretch Marks

Apply vitamin E oil onto the skin to increase levels of the nutrient in the skin tissue. To reduce the appearance of these marks, apply it regularly on the area and rub gently,” says Dr. Mukesh Girdhar, Dermatologist in Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj. 

3. Lightens Scars
“Vitamin E oil helps to regenerate new skin cells and can lighten brown spots or scars found on the face,” adds Dr. Mukesh Girdhar, Max Super Speciality Hospital.

4. Cures Muscle Spasms
Dr. Manoj Ahuja says, “Vitamin E is very good for relaxing the muscles and can therefore be used to cure muscle spasms.”

5. Anti-Ageing
“If one shows signs of premature ageing like wrinkles around the eyes, apply Vitamin E oil two to three times a week along with your normal cream for best results. It promotes healthy skin, and reverses signs of ageing,” says Dr. Deepali.

6. Acts as a Moisturiser
“Vitamin E is an oil-soluble nutrient and is hence heavier than water-soluble products. It restores the lost moisture, and this is why it works best for dry and damaged skin,” says Dr. Ahuja. You can mix a few drops of vitamin E oil with your night moisturizing lotion and apply it on your body before going to bed.

7. Treats Dark Circles
Applying Vitamin E oil around the eyes is a great way to get rid of dark circles. Apply it for 2-3 days along with your normal cream and massage gently.

8. Treats Sunburns
Take a few drops of vitamin E oil and rub it gently over the sunburnt area. “Vitamin E is a powerhouse of antioxidants that neutralize the effects of free radicals caused by ultraviolet radiation, hence soothing sunburns,” says Dr. Adarsh Kumar, Internal Medicine.

9. Acts as a Cleansing Agent
Vitamin E oil is a heavy emollient and makes for a great way to get rid of dirt, grime and other impurities while simultaneously maintaining your skin’s oil balance. Use a few drops of vitamin E oil on a cotton ball to wipe your face.

10. Treats Chapped Lips
“Vitamin E oil works as a moisturizer and can help soften dry lips, making them soft and supple,” says Dr. Deepali Bhardwaj. You can either pair it with honey, or use it as is.

Conclusion
Dr. Deepali advises, “Vitamin E oil can be applied around 5 times a week, but it depends on the quality of your skin. If you have dry skin or combination skin, use it thrice a week. If you have oily skin, use it once a week. Applying vitamin E oil is better than using store bought creams because it gets better absorbed by the skin and gives you beautiful skin, from within.”

Source:food.ndtv.com

Vitamin E deficiency
Vitamin E deficiency can be the result of an underlying condition. Many conditions prevent your body from being able to adequately absorb fats, including fat-soluble nutrients like vitamin E.
This includes:

1. chronic pancreatitis
2. cholestasis
3. cystic fibrosis
4. primary biliary cirrhosis
5. Crohn’s disease
6. short bowel syndrome

In some cases, vitamin E deficiency results from a rare genetic condition known as ataxia. This condition is neurologically based and affects muscle control and coordination. It’s most likely to develop in children between the ages of 5 and 15.

Vitamin E Sources:

  Avocado

  Seeds and nuts

  Papaya and mango

  Wheat germ and wheat germ oil

  Oils (safflower, corn, and sunflower)

  Margarine (made from safflower, corn, and sunflower oil)

  Dark green vegetables (spinach, broccoli, asparagus, turnip greens)

Dosages

Dosages shouldn’t exceed 1,000 international units (IUs) per day if you’re using synthetic supplements. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for ages 14 and up is 15 milligrams (mg).

Posted in: Fat Soluble Vitamins