Vitamin E for Skin

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient boasting anti-inflammatory properties. It is fat-soluble, helps support efficient cell functioning, modulates the immune system, and improves skin health. Although vitamin E is present in several forms, the only one used in the human body is alpha-tocopherol, and its primary role is to scavenge the loose electrons called free radicals that damage the skin cells.

Since vitamin E is an antioxidant, it is highly effective in combating the effects of free radicals that are produced through the metabolism of food and environmental toxins.

Of the many vitamin E uses for the skin, it is also considered beneficial for reversing UV damage to the skin. Exposure of the skin to the sun and UV light for an extended period can lower the levels of vitamin E in the skin. The presence of vitamin E can also decrease with age. Fortunately, there are many vitamin E foods for the skin, and the nutrient is also available in supplements and used in topical treatments.

Vitamin E is a common nutrient that is found in certain nuts and seeds. Certain cooking oils are particularly good sources of vitamin E. Here are foods containing vitamin E that you must include in your diet for healthy skin:

• Oils: Sunflower oil, corn oil, almond oil, and hazelnut oil
• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, pine nuts, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds
• Vegetables: red bell peppers, turnip greens, broccoli, spinach, pickled olives, etc.
• Fruits: avocado, mango, kiwi, blackberries, dried cranberries

For glowing and healthy skin, you can add these foods to your diet. Aside from foods, you can also infuse vitamin E through supplements or seek cosmetics containing vitamin E infusions to be applied topically.

Some swear by vitamin E for dry skin, whereas others seek vitamin E for glowing skin. Despite the claims of the cosmetic benefits of vitamin E, it is advised to speak to a skincare expert before using it to know whether or not it suits you. There are two key benefits of vitamin E that have led to its popularity: how it combats inflammation and its moisturising properties.

Let’s understand the effect of vitamin E on the skin:

• Moisturisation: You can use vitamin E for dry skin, as moisturisation is one of its most prominent benefits. So, if your skin is dry and flaky, you may benefit from including vitamin E in your daily moisturiser.
• Skin Whitening: As this fat-soluble nutrient lowers the adverse impact of UV rays on the skin, it plays a potent role in skin whitening. The use of vitamin E for white skin is, therefore, an aged recommendation.
• Reduces itching: While vitamin E cannot help in treating skin infections, allergic reactions, and other ailments that can cause itching, its moisturising properties may provide relief. By keeping the skin well moisturised, vitamin E can prevent skin dryness and, consequently, itchiness.
• Heals Wounds: Certain studies indicate that wound healing can be promoted via vitamin E supplements. Although possibly the topical application of vitamin E oil may suggest similar results, there is little research to support this claim.
• Prevents ageing: As vitamin E is a highly potent antioxidant, its regular use may help prevent wrinkles and ageing. It does this by improving the formation of collagen, thereby promoting skin strength and elasticity.
• Reduces swelling: By topically applying vitamin E, your skin can be rejuvenated and swelling reduced. This is why several skincare regimens recommend the overnight application of vitamin E on the face.

Having understood the vitamin E uses for the skin, let’s move on to understand how to apply vitamin E on your skin for optimal benefits.

Here are some ways you can include vitamin E in your skincare routine:

• Homemade face pack: For a natural glow, combine vitamin E oil with Multani mitti (fuller’s earth) and milk. Apply this face pack after first cleaning your skin. It will help remove dirt and excess oil from your skin.
• Vitamin E oil: Once you clean your face, apply a toner followed by vitamin E oil. You can mix vitamin E oil with other carrier oils such as almond oil or jojoba oil. Evenly apply the concoction to your face and neck and leave overnight.
• Products containing vitamin E: Several skin care products, such as serums and moisturisers, contain vitamin E. You can buy these after consulting your skincare specialist.
• Diet: another healthy and easy way to include vitamin E is by including vitamin E-rich foods in your diet.

For any disorder of the skin, you are advised to consult a dermatologist. Whether it is common skin problems such as acne, rash, sunburn, or more complex ailments such as Psoriasis, skin cancer, etc. All of these come under the purview of dermatology.

For long-term treatments such as chemotherapy for skin cancer or surgeries to treat skin disorders, you can rely on critical illness insurance, so you don’t have to hurt your savings.

We hope you now know what to include in your diet to supplement your body’s requirement for Vitamin E. A healthy diet and a little exercise can go a long way, not just for your skin but for your overall health. And if you get ill and need medical attention, a health insurance plan can protect you financially against hospital bills.

However, before investing in any health insurance policy, it is advised to carefully read the inclusions and exclusions. Typically, you may need critical illness insurance for more complicated health ailments such as skin cancer. So, if you do not have a health insurance policy, get one from Tata AIG.

Tata AIG’s health insurance plans can be customised to accommodate your particular health requirements, so you are not left alone in distressing situations.