In the realm of beauty products, new novelty ingredients get pushed to the forefront very frequently. As a result, there is no dearth of new skin-care products in the market these days with each promising unique benefits. Amidst this, vitamin E still remains popular, both in oil and capsulated forms. An old favourite of many, vitamin E is often found in many of the skin-care products that you may currently have – moisturizers, serums, eye creams – you name it. This ingredient has been incorporated into skincare products since ages and has been lauded for its antioxidant, hydrating and protective uses. But what do we really know about Vitamin E? Let’s delve deeper –
What is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and a very good antioxidant. It protects the cells from oxidation. While there are eight different types of Vitamin E, the exact form of Vitamin E that humans can metabolize is alpha-tocopherol which is typically produced synthetically, but can be found naturally in argan, avocado, pumpkin, olives, almonds, peanuts etc.
Benefits of Vitamin E
- Since Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient, its main function is that of an antioxidant. It means that it helps in protecting cells from damage that is caused by unstable molecules, otherwise known as free radicals. It helps to neutralize harmful free radicals and owing to its antioxidant property, it inhibits sebum(oil) oxidation which prevents blackheads. According to Cosmetic Chemist, Ni’Kita Wilson “Free radicals are on a destructive quest to become stable, so they are ready and willing to snatch an electron from anything that comes in its path, including DNA, skin proteins, connective tissues, and cell membranes,” Wilson explains. “The more you can quench the free radicals’ thirst for stability, the better your skin will be protected, which is where vitamin E comes into play.” Formulas having vitamin E provide conditioning to environmentally exposed skin. The ingredients work together to smoothen your skin and provide relief to irritation caused by pollution and sun damage. Additionally, exposure to UV light, pollution and smoke cause a decreased production of collagen in the skin. Low collagen levels can adversely affect your skin’s structural integrity leading to saggy skin and wrinkles. However, the antioxidant properties of Vitamin E counter these effects by neutralising free radicals, helping your skin remain firm and youthful.
- Dry and itchy skin? Vitamin E has the solution. The moisturizing properties of Vitamin E make it an excellent solution that can fight inflammation, atopic dermatitis and eczema that causes dry, red, flaky, itchy and irritated skin. What Vitamin E does is protect cell membranes by creating a barrier around them. When it is applied topically, it creates an oily layer like an envelop and traps water in your skin, rendering it hydrated, supple, nourished and healthy.
- Melasma is a condition that causes brown patches to appear on the skin; applying vitamin E on the affected areas can reduce discolouration. For faster recovery, it is advised to combine vitamin E with vitamin C which take care of stubborn dark spots, reducing hyperpigmentation remarkably.
- Vitamin E can also be used to treat sunburns. Applying vitamin E topically on affected sunburnt areas can provide relief and helps with the healing of damaged skin tissue. To protect your skin, you can add vitamin E to your regular sunscreen whose UV-fighting properties add an extra layer of protection.
Though vitamin E can be consumed through food and supplements, for topical applications it is best used in the natural oil form as it gets easily absorbed by the skin. To protect your skin comprehensibly, a combination of vitamin E rich food and oil would be the best way forward.
QNet’s BeYouTé Argan Care
If you are looking to stock up on high quality vitamin E oil, look no further than QNet’s BeYouTé Argan Care. It is composed of 95% pure argan oil and is rich in natural vitamin E, carotenoids, polyphenols, essential fatty acids, phytosterols and several other natural compounds with zero side effects. Argan Care is non-greasy, fast-absorbing, paraben and artificial colouring-free, suitable for all skin types. Available for both men and women, Argan Care is the perfect skin companion for you.