Vitamin E isn't a specific substance--this term refers to a group of chemicals called tocopherols and tocotrienols. You can obtain vitamin E from a variety of foods, and it's also available in capsule form. Dry skin and other skin ailments often are treated with skin creams that contain vitamin E.
Forms
Vitamin E refers to any of eight specific compounds. Tocopherols and tocotrienols each have four forms, which are known as the alpha, beta, gamma and delta forms. The form known as alpha-tocopherol has the greatest use in nutrition--this is the form that's most common in skin creams.
Effect
Vitamin E is a strong anti-oxidant because it inhibits oxidation. Oxygen is a highly volatile molecule, which means it reacts rapidly with many different molecules. Oxidation generally is an undesirable process for your skin cells, as it can damage your skin and cause it to age prematurely.
Benefits
Free radicals are atoms or molecules with an unpaired electron that cause them to be highly reactive. If you use a skin cream that contains vitamin E, it can help protect your skin from free radicals that oxidize readily. Common sources of free radicals include ultraviolet radiation from the sun, pollution and drugs.
Application
Creams that treat dry skin frequently contain vitamin E, as well as one or more emollients that moisturize your skin. Your skin absorbs emollients easily, which allows the vitamin E to penetrate to your skin's deeper layers. Apply skin cream to your dry skin at least 20 minutes before going outside.
Safety
Vitamin E is soluble in fat and will accumulate in your fat cells. Skin cream that contains vitamin E generally is safe, even when you use it liberally. This is because the vitamin E in skin cream doesn't enter your bloodstream, so it doesn't accumulate in your cells. However, vitamin E can be toxic at relatively low dosages when you take it orally. The Institute of Medicine establishes the daily tolerable level of vitamin E at 1 g.
