Vitamin E

How does Vitamin E work?

Vitamin E is universally known as the "youth-preserving" vitamin. Women have used vitamin E to maintain their beauty for centuries. Vitamin E fights free radicals, harmful skin damaging factors found in the sun, environment and electronics like the computer. Free radicals are blocked and repaired by vitamin E. Vitamin E also rebuilds collagen for a youthful appearance.

Sun exposure can cause oxidative stress in skin cells. However, Vitamin E works together with other nutrients to prevent oxygen from becoming too reactive when stressed. By calming the oxygen molecule, Vitamin E prevents oxidation and free radical damage to other cells.

Studies have even found that after topical and oral Vitamin E use, skin showed less acute and persistent skin damage induced by UV rays. They have also found that Vitamin E usage resulted in later onset and lesser incidence of skin cancer.

What conditions does Vitamin E treat?

In addition to its anti-aging, free radical fighting properties, there is also evidence that Vitamin E repairs skin damage from acne. Studies have shown that Vitamin E reduces the appearance of scars left by acne and that acne in both men and women improved with Vitamin E treatment.

Vitamin E also regulates Retinol (commonly known as Vitamin A) levels. Retinol is essential for keeping skin healthy, maintaining good vision and nourishing membranes in the body. A decrease in Retinol leads to an increase of oxidation in cells, which in turn leads to a toxic effect and cell damage. Vitamin E minimizes cell oxidation and equalizes Retinol levels.

Additionally, lack of Vitamin E can result in dry skin, damaged hair, easy bruising, eczema, psoriasis, PMS, poor wound healing and hot flashes. Adding topical Vitamin E or taking it orally can lessen the severity of some of these issues.

Vitamin E is non toxic when found in natural sources. However, if taking Vitamin E as a supplement, it should be noted that an increase in Vitamin E intake, combined with Vitamin K deficiency can cause prolonged bleeding time because blood has trouble clotting.