Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin found in many skin care products as alpha-tocopheryl acetate. This is a form of vitamin E that according to Maret G. Traber, Ph.D., does not oxidise and can be absorbed through the skin and provide antioxidant benefits. Using vitamin E is generally considered safe, but in high doses can cause bleeding.
Antioxidant
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can protect cells from free radicals that lead to cancer and heart disease. When you apply a product containg alpha-tocopheryl acetate onto your skin, you can expect your body to absorb approximately 5 percent of the vitamin E. Once absorbed, it converts into a free tocopherol where your body can utilize its antioxidant property.
Prevents Skin Cancer
Topical applications of vitamin E have shown effective in preventing skin cancer. Research published in the April 15, 2008 issue of "Chemico-Biological Reactions", conducted by S. Rahman, K. Bhatia, A.Q. Khan, M. Kaur, F. Ahmad, H. Rashid, M. Athar, F. Islam and S. Raisuddin, concluded that applying vitamin E topically offered cancer preventative actions by inhibiting the formation of tumors in mice. There was also another study published in the 2000 issue of "Nutrition and Cancer", conducted by K.E. Burke, J. Clive, G.F. Combs Jr., J. Commisso, C.L. Keen and R.M. Nakamura, showed that mice given vitamin E either topically or orally, had reduced signs of skin damage and pigmentation change from ultra violet radiation.
Reduces Signs of Aging
Using creams containing antioxidants, such a vitamin E, has been effective in preventing wrinkles and sun damage. Because these creams are not water soluble, they will not wash off easily as does sunscreen and provides for longer coverage. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, using vitamin E in the form of alpha tocopherol cream, can reduce the depth of wrinkles, reduce facial lines and reduce the roughness of your skin. Research published in the July 7, 2008 issue of "Journal of Drugs in Dermatology,' conducted by C. Burgess, showed that using topical vitamin E, in the form of alpha-tocopherol, in conjuction with topical vitamins A, C, and B3, reduced photoaging. The combination was also effective in treating inflammatory dermatoses, acne, wound healing and pigmentation disorders.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute Research Report: All About E
- World's Healthiest Foods: Vitamin E
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Skin Wrinkles and Blemishes
- PubMed.Gov: Topically Applied Vitamin E Prevents Massive Cutaneous Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Responses Induced by Double Application of 12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-Acetate (TPA) in Mice.
- PubMed.Gov: Topical Vitamins
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