Every vitamin is beneficial for our skin in one or another way, but vitamin E is the one that is best known as “beauty vitamin”. If we don’t consume vitamins every day our skin may become lifeless, blotchy, dry or oily. The best vitamins for skincare are vitamin E, A, C and vitamin D. Vitamins A and E are exceptionally important because they protect our skin from oxidation and are known as antioxidants. Antioxidants fight off free radicals, such are pollutants, smoke and excess sun, that cause the signs of aging.
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin. It can be consumed through food or in form of various supplements. Many beauty products also contain vitamin E and they are applied directly onto the skin.
How is Vitamin E Beneficial for Skin?
Vitamin E is a common ingredient of many skincare products that are used as a protection from the ultraviolet light. It prevents cell damage which is usually caused by free radicals and allows them to communicate effectively. Vitamin E also helps in treating burns, even those of third degree. If vitamin E is directly applied onto burned skin it can be soothing and stop the pain. It is best for the skin to be dry when vitamin E is used. Skin that has sunburns won’t peal if it is treated with vitamin E. It is highly beneficial in treating eczema, skin ulcers, hemorrhoids and cold sores it also makes the skin look younger.
Vitamin E oil can help with the reduction of scars but it shouldn’t be used on fresh injuries. However some doctors believe that vitamin E can actually make scars even worse but the debate about this issue is still ongoing. When applied on the lips it will keep them smooth. When applied on the face it moisturizes the skin and reduces the fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth but it shouldn’t be applied onto oily skin. In recent years vitamin E has been successfully used in treating acne. Vitamin E is useful for stretch marks and reducing age spots. Some skin diseases like erythema and psoriasis are successfully treated with vitamin E. When treating Erythema, vitamin E is taken orally and for psoriasis is applied onto the skin. Even skin cancer can be prevented by using vitamin E. Deficiency of vitamin E may cause premature aging and acne.
What Are The Sources of Vitamin E?
Foods that are rich in vitamin E are oils, sunflower seeds, nuts such are almonds, peanuts and so on. Vegetables that are major sources of vitamin E are spinach, kale, carrot, celery, tomato, paprika and broccoli. Fruits that contain vitamin E are avocado, papaya, mango, kiwi, raspberries and apple. Beef and seafood are also good sources of vitamin E. This vitamin can be also consumed through various supplements and pills but it is always better to take your vitamins through food.
How Much Vitamin E Do You Need Daily?
Recommended daily intake of vitamin E is:
- For infants up to 6 months it is 4 mg
- For infants from 7 to 12 months it is 5 mg
- For children from 1 to 3 years it is 6 mg
- For children from 4 to 8 years it is 7 mg
- For children from 9 to 13 it is 11 mg
- For adolescents and adults over 14 it is 15 mg
However, if ones diet consists of more volatile fats he or she will need more vitamin E. It is highly unlikely to reach toxicity but intakes of vitamin E may cause diarrhea and nausea.