It could be said that every nutrient is essential for the health of the skin. The body, after all, works as an entire system—and when there’s a deficiency in one area, the whole system suffers. Just think of how a bad night’s sleep or a lack of water can impact your whole vibe—not to mention, the way your skin looks.
Of course, certain vitamins and minerals are absolutely essential when it comes to achieving a glowing complexion. Vitamin C, vitamin A, zinc—just to name a few. Among those star nutrients, however, is one that really stands out: Vitamin E.
Case in point: the global market for natural vitamin E has soared over the last decade. In 2018, it was valued at over $672 million; by the end of 2032, it’s expected to reach over $1.8 billion. These astronomical figures, combined with the exponential increase in Google searches, illustrate the scale of the phenomenon while also reaffirming the central role of nutrition in today’s concept of beauty, which prioritizes aspects such as cellular longevity and conscious aging over fleeting trends and marketing ploys.
“For decades, vitamin E has been considered an essential ally in skincare,” explains Dr. Alejandra Mora, a specialist in aesthetic medicine and nutrition. “Now this fat-soluble micronutrient, whose absorption and storage depend on a diet rich in healthy fats, is reclaiming its rightful place even outside of skincare.”
Though vitamin E is what Mora calls a true “bodyguard for the skin,” it’s important to note that the body cannot produce it on its own. Therefore, it must be obtained exclusively through diet and supplementation. Read on to learn all the ins and outs of this skin-boosting essential vitamin—including what to eat to ensure you’re getting your fill.
The benefits of vitamin E for skin and hair
Vitamin E is well-known for its significant skin and hair health benefits. Not only is it a powerful antioxidant, but it also provides hydration as well as protection. “Vitamin E is an important fat-soluble antioxidant and has been in use for more than 50 years in dermatology,” notes a recent scientific review. “It protects the skin from various deleterious effects due to solar radiation by acting as a free-radical scavenger.” Another study also notes that it also may be helpful for hair growth. Below, a look at its specific properties and mechanisms:
Antioxidant properties: “Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals, the unstable molecules responsible for oxidative stress and, consequently, premature aging,” says Mora. “It also participates in the formation of red blood cells, promoting tissue oxygenation and helping maintain cellular architecture in balance.”
Hydration: “It provides extra hydration and helps maintain the skin barrier. Not surprisingly, this is why it’s widely used in cosmetics to smooth fine lines and improve skin elasticity,” Mora notes.
Promotes skin repair: “Acting as an emollient that retains moisture, it softens the skin and promotes its ability to repair itself, making it particularly useful for scars, burns, redness, and blemishes.”
Protection: “Vitamin E is like a protective shield, strengthening the defenses against environmental damage, like redness caused by the cold. It also enhances sun protection,” Mora adds.
Strengthens hair: “It prevents and reduces hair breakage, as well as improving circulation in the scalp,” says Mora. “In this way, it helps make hair stronger, more resistant and vital.”
Vitamin E’s benefits for overall health
Of course, the benefits of vitamin E aren’t just limited to skin and hair. In fact, its impact on a range of general health factors is pretty impressive: “Many claims have been made about vitamin E’s potential to promote health and prevent and treat disease. The mechanisms by which vitamin E might provide this protection include its function as an antioxidant and its roles in anti-inflammatory processes, inhibition of platelet aggregation, and immune enhancement,” notes the National Institute of Health. “In addition to its activities as an antioxidant, vitamin E is involved in immune function and, as shown primarily by in vitro studies of cells, cell signaling, regulation of gene expression, and other metabolic processes.” All of this adds up to some pretty great benefits, as explained below by Mora.
