What is Vitamin E and why is it important?
Authoritative scientific studies nominate vitamin E as the molecule of excellence for counteracting photoaging damage and preventing significant damage to the skin, including skin cancers. Clinical and experimental studies have shown that topical application or systemic intake of vitamin E can reduce the incidence of precancerous lesions and skin carcinoma, underlining its importance as a preventive agent.
Vitamin E is characterized by eight compounds: four tocopherols and four tocotrienols, with alpha-tocopherol as the most active form. Being fat soluble, it is found in vegetable oils, seeds, nuts, soybeans, meat, eggs, poultry and fish.
This vitamin is recognized by the scientific community for its powerful antioxidant properties. Authoritative studies highlight the crucial role of this vitamin in counteracting photoaging damage, a degenerative process caused by chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. The protective action of vitamin E is expressed through the neutralization of free radicals, highly reactive molecules that damage skin cells and accelerate skin aging.
Benefits of Vitamin E for Skin
Vitamin E is a precious resource for skin health, especially in summer.
Its main benefits include:
- Antioxidant Protection : Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals caused by exposure to UV rays, smoking and pollution. These free radicals damage the skin's collagen, causing wrinkles, dark spots and loss of elasticity. Using products with vitamin E helps prevent premature aging and maintain youthful, glowing skin.
- Deep hydration : Vitamin E is a powerful natural hydrator, capable of penetrating into the deepest layers of the skin, keeping it soft, elastic and hydrated. This is especially useful for dry skin that requires extra nourishment.
- Cellular regeneration : Promotes healing and regeneration of the skin, reducing inflammation and improving the appearance of scars and other skin conditions.
Vitamin E in sunscreen
Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of vitamin E in preventing skin damage caused by sun exposure. A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology highlighted that topical application of alpha-tocopherol significantly reduces UVB-induced erythema and thymine dimer formation in DNA.
Furthermore, the combination of vitamin E with other antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C, has shown a synergistic effect in protecting against sun damage. During summer, the skin is particularly exposed to oxidative stress caused by UV rays. By neutralizing free radicals generated by exposure to UV rays, vitamin E reduces oxidative damage, protecting cellular DNA and structural proteins such as collagen and elastin. This helps keep the skin elastic and prevent wrinkles and loss of tone.
Additionally, vitamin E reduces the risk of sunburn by improving the skin's ability to retain moisture and strengthening the skin barrier, making it less vulnerable to sun damage. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin E accelerates skin healing after sun exposure, stimulating cell regeneration and reducing inflammation and erythema.
In combination with other vitamins such as C, vitamin E enhances the effectiveness of sun products. The synergistic use of these antioxidants offers greater protection against UV damage, significantly improving photoprotection. Integrating vitamin E into your sun protection routine, through enriched products or specific serums, can help keep your skin healthy, young and protected throughout the summer season.
Vitamin E in the cosmetic routine
Vitamin E is a fundamental ingredient in modern cosmetics, thanks to its antioxidant, hydrating and regenerative properties. Including it in your daily skincare routine can make a significant difference, especially during the summer when skin is more exposed to environmental damage. This vitamin not only protects the skin from free radicals, but also improves hydration and promotes cell regeneration, helping to maintain a youthful and radiant appearance. Find out how to best integrate vitamin E into your beauty rituals to maximize its benefits.
Here's where you can find it:
Serums and creams: Look for products that contain tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate in the INCI. These ingredients indicate the presence of pure or derived vitamin E.
