Vitamin E Oil: The Elixir Your Face Skin Needs

Is your dull and rough skin bothering you? Give your skin a boost of health with Vitamin E.

Often referred to as the elixir of youth, Vitamin E is dermatologically proven to have various skin benefits. Not just in modern science, the use of herbs rich in Vitamin E for improving skin health has been in practice for centuries.

Scroll down to know all the benefits of Vitamin E and which herbs and natural sources give you the best version of the Vitamin.

Is Vitamin E Oil Good For Your Face?

Vitamin E [1] is a group of 8 compounds that your body absorbs from certain food sources. These are then sent to the different layers of your skin (epidermis and dermis) through sebum secreted by your sebaceous glands.

But solely depending on dietary sources may not provide your body with sufficient amounts of Vitamin E that is required to maintain your skin health. This is where topical Vitamin E comes to the rescue. Vitamin E, being an antioxidant that is fat-soluble in nature, is mostly available in the form of Vitamin E oils, creams or serums.

According to medical research, people who applied topical Vitamin E solutions had higher levels of Vitamin E in their epidermis and dermis than people who received Vitamin E only from foods and supplements. This essential skin-friendly nutrient is a great scavenger of free radicals that cause oxidative stress and skin ageing.

Apart from its anti-ageing benefits, Vitamin E helps combat various skin problems such as Psoriasis, Acne, Eczema, Skin Pigmentation, and Skin-Cancer amongst others. Topical application of Vitamin E Oil on your face, neck and arms regularly, nourishes and rejuvenates skin that is dull and damaged and protects it from harmful UV rays.

What Does Vitamin E Oil Do For Your Face?

According to research, including Vitamin E in your daily skincare routine can reduce the chances of breakouts, acne, wrinkles and other signs of skin ageing. Topical Vitamin E alone or in combination with other Vitamins can improve the overall health and appearance of your skin. Being effective against photo-damage, it is known to heal sun-burnt skin too. Therefore, many sunscreens contain Vitamin E as one of their key ingredients.

Apart from skin healing properties, Vitamin E Oils is also used as a skin cleaning product. Less backed by science, it is believed that regular use of Vitamin E on the face can prevent the clogging of your skin pores, thereby reducing the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads).

The ancient Ayurvedic texts cite a number of herbs that contain skin friendly properties and are used to prepare Ayurvedic medicines to treat skin disorders. Though Ayurveda does not mention the use of vitamins for skin care, research shows that many of these Ayurvedic herbs have antioxidants and are rich sources of Vitamin E.

Herbs such as Neem, Amla, Bhringraj, Shatavari that are often used in Ayurvedic skin therapies, all contain Vitamin E. Applying Ayurvedic Lepas (face masks) made from these herbs or massaging with oils derived from them improve overall skin health and prevent premature skin ageing.

“Use of vitamin E rich oils in dinacharya routine is thoroughly encouraged in the ayurvedic texts. According to Bhaishajya ratnavali, Mustard oil is considered best to promote facial skin health and glow. Incidentally, it is now proven that this oil is rich in gamma tocopherol,” says Dr Zeel Gandhi, Chief Ayurvedic Doctor at Vedix.

What Type Of Vitamin E Oil Is Best For The Face?

Vitamin E that occurs naturally is not stable and oxidizes when exposed to the air. Hence, an ester of Vitamin E called Tocopheryl acetate is used in most skincare products that contain the vitamin. Vitamin E acetate or Tocopheryl acetate in oils and creams does not oxidize and is easily absorbed by your skin. The use of Vitamin E acetate is widespread and is claimed to have wound healing, anti-ageing and UV ray protection abilities.

Vitamin E can be derived from both natural plant sources or produced synthetically [2]. Vitamin E produced naturally is labelled with a ‘d’ prefix and synthetic Vitamin E with a ‘dl’ or ‘all-rac’ prefix. It is believed that naturally derived Vitamin E is far more potent and beneficial for the human skin than the synthetic ones. So before you purchase your Vitamin E Oil, make sure to read the label to ensure maximum skin benefits.

How To Use Vitamin E Oil On Your Face?

If this is the first time you are using Vitamin E oil on your face, make sure to do a patch test. This will allow you to know if you are allergic to it. Pure Vitamin E oil may be harsh for your skin if applied directly. Combine it with a carrier oil (coconut, olive, almond, sesame) of your choice to soak up the benefits.

A. Cleansing

The first step to any skincare routine is to wash away the impurities. Use a mild face wash/cleanser to clean the surface dirt. This will allow the oil to enter the epidermis better.

B. Steaming

Face steaming before oil application helps in better absorption of the oil. The warmth of the steam opens your pores and prepares your skin for the next step.

C. Applying Vitamin E Oil

Mix 2 to 3 drops of pure Vitamin E oil with 8 to 10 drops of any carrier oil of your choice. Gently massage a little oil all over your face and neck in a slow circular motion to ensure the oil seeps into your skin.

D. Rinsing

Leave it on for 15 to 20 mins and rinse off or use a wet cotton to wipe off the excess oil.

Note:

For sensitive skin, it is better to consult your doctor before using Vitamin E oil for the first time. In case of skin irritation after application, rinse off immediately with cold water and stop using it.

1. Overnight Face Rejuvenation With Vitamin E Oil

Using Vitamin E Oil as an overnight skin treatment has been in practice for decades. Even the popular Korean Skincare routine includes Vitamin E in their overnight face masks. The benefits of Vitamin E Oils are further enhanced when combined with other vitamins such as Vitamin C. Together they help fight the effects of oxidative stress on your skin caused by free radicals.

As a result, you wake up with younger looking skin that emits a healthy glow. Vitamin E and C in combination is also a powerful fighter against sun damage and prevents chances of skin cancer. Leaving Vitamin E oil on your face overnight also helps in healing minor skin breakouts and prevents blockage of your skin pores.

Vitamin E And Aloe Vera Overnight Face Mask

Mix 2 to 3 drops of pure Vitamin E Oil with any carrier oil. Coconut oil, being a great Vata-Pitta Dosha pacifier, can be combined with Vitamin E Oil for skin that is prone to acne breakouts. For Kapha dominant skin, sesame or olive oil would be a good choice for a carrier oil. Add Kumari or Aloe Vera to this mixture.

The hydrating properties of Kumari along with skin nourishing nutrients such as Vitamin C, A and antioxidants make it a perfect skin health booster. Cleanse your face and apply this mask all over your face and neck. Leave it overnight for blemish free, clear skin. Vitamin E Capsules (5-6) can also be used for your face if Vitamin E Oil is not available.

2. Spot/ Acne Treatment With Vitamin E On The Face

Vitamin E is known to be effective against a number of skin disorders. Its anti-inflammatory nature reduces skin sensitivity, redness and irritations. Due to its thick consistency, Vitamin E nourishes dry, chapped skin and promotes cell regeneration. Squeeze out 8 to 10 Vitamin E capsules and combine with a carrier oil.

You can also use Vitamin E Oil instead of Vitamin E capsules for acne treatment on your face. Apply this mixture to the affected area and leave it on for 15 mins and wipe or rinse off. Apply regularly for 2 weeks for visible results.

Benefits Of Vitamin E Oil For Face

1. Anti-ageing

Being a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E has shown considerable anti-ageing benefits. Constant exposure to heat and pollution roughens your skin and causes it to age faster. Frequent topical application of Vitamin E raises its levels in the dermis and epidermis, where it provides protection against free radical skin damage [3]. Vitamin E is also known to promote the production of collagen that maintains skin elasticity and prevents it from sagging.

2. Moisturizes Skin

Due to its viscous nature, vitamin E is a great healer of dry skin. Combine it with a carrier oil and apply it on rough, dry skin to get maximum moisturizing benefits. Vitamin E rejuvenates and soothes irritated skin and promotes formation of healthy glowing skin.

3. UV Ray Protection

Vitamin E is known for its ability to inhibit photodamage that is caused by UV rays. Overexposure to the sun not only results in sunburns but also causes structural changes to your skin. This results in premature skin ageing, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

Vitamin E strengthens your skin barrier and prevents it from damage caused by the UV rays. Its sun protection abilities are further enhanced when combined with Vitamin C, and together they prevent the occurrence of toxins that are formed when your skin is exposed to the sun. This is one of the primary reasons why many sunscreens contain Vitamin E and Vitamin C as one of their key ingredients.

4. Prevents Melasma Or Skin Hyperpigmentation

Topical application of Vitamin E oils and creams have shown effective results in reducing hyperpigmentation of skin caused by a condition called Melasma. Vitamin E to a certain extent prevents cell degeneration by interfering with lipid peroxidation.

This in turn reduces skin pigmentation and benefits skin that is affected by melasma. Sun exposure is a potent cause for melasma and can be prevented by frequent application of Vitamin E. It is often used in combination with Vitamin C to enhance its medical value.

5. Treats Acne

It is claimed that Vitamin E’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help in treating your acne issues. Regular application of Vitamin E oil also helps in clarifying your skin and prevents keratin flakes and sebum from clogging your pores. This prevents the formation of comedones and restricts the growth of bacteria within your pores. By improving your overall skin health and promoting the production of collagen, Vitamin E actively contributes in the treatment of acne.

6. Effective Against Skin Disorders Like Psoriasis And Eczema

The hydrating, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Vitamin E make it effective against various skin disorders. Seldom used alone, Vitamin E is often a key ingredient in many topical medications. It is also helpful in soothing dry, irritated skin which is caused by eczema.

7. Prevents Skin Cancer

There is limited research on Vitamin E’s role in preventing skin cancer. However, its ability to provide photo protection, interference with lipid peroxidation and skin immunity improvement, aids in preventing various causes that can trigger skin cancer.

8. Reduces Dark Circles

Massaging a few drops of Vitamin E Oil regularly under your eyes can help lighten your dark circles. Vitamin E is known to be effective in lightening scars and skin pigmentations. Its antioxidant properties promote new cell growth and reduce oxidative stress that may be the cause of your dark circles.

9. Promotes Cell Regeneration

Vitamin E is a key component that forms the antioxidant defence system of your cells. It prevents the degeneration of lipids and thereby protects the cell membranes. Thus regular application of Vitamin E Oils on your face is likely to give your firm, younger looking skin.

10. Skin Clarifying

As mentioned above, Vitamin E has a skin clarifying action when applied topically. It prevents the occurrence of comedones such as blackheads and whiteheads by keeping your skin pores clear.

11. Heals Wounds

Vitamin E has been reported to exhibit wound healing properties, especially when combined with Zinc and Vitamin C. In case of a cutaneous (skin) wound, applying topical Vitamin E helps the wound to heal faster. Due to its antioxidant properties, it is often used in treating burns and bed sores (pressure ulcers).

12. Boosts Skin Immunity

According to medical research, Vitamin E boosts the immunity [4] power of your skin and helps it to prevent pathogen attacks. Your skin is the first immune barrier that keeps various microbial attacks at bay. Vitamin E actively participates in your body’s immune response by promoting lymphocyte proliferation and antibody production. It also helps your wounds to heal faster. So stocking up on Vitamin E might help you to keep various skin diseases away.

Vedix Tip: Make your own anti-breakout face mask by combining 10-12 Neem leaves, 1 spoon of Shatavari powder, Aloe Vera gel and Coconut Oil. Squeeze 3-4 Vitamin E capsules or add a few drops of Vitamin E Oil to the mixture and apply on the affected area of your face. Rinse off and repeat to get clear smooth skin.

How Much Vitamin E Is Required Per Day?

The recommended dose for Vitamin E per day is 15 milligrams for an adult. However, there is a difference between meeting your daily dietary requirement and applying Vitamin E oil for skin benefits. Topical Vitamin E application has no specific measurement, and the concentration may vary depending on your needs.

Vitamin E oils, creams and serums are available in different concentrations. Thus, it is advisable to consult your doctor before you include pure Vitamin E oil in your daily skincare or use it to treat a skin disorder. Too much vitamin E can irritate skin that is sensitive and may end up giving you a skin rash.

Side Effects Of Applying Too Much Vitamin E On Your Face

According to Ayurveda, when the three life energies or Doshas are not in harmony, your body falls into a state of disease. In order to restore the balance medication is prescribed to pacify the Doshas. However, overuse of the same medication can again put the body into a state of imbalance. Similarly applying too much Vitamin E to your skin can result in harmful side effects and even Vitamin E toxicity.

1. Skin Rash

Unnecessary frequent application of Vitamin E Oil may result in a skin rash. Vitamin E Oil is not suitable for all skin types. If you have sensitive skin, it is better to do a patch test before you begin to apply the oil.

2. Blood Thinning

Too much Vitamin E in your body can cause blood thinning and haemorrhage. High concentrations of Vitamin E can prevent blood from clotting easily making minor bruises bleed a lot. However, there is less chance of Vitamin E overdose through topical application.

3. Toxicity

Overdosing on Vitamin E may lead to Vitamin E toxicity. Though the chances of overdosing from mere topical treatment are low, it may cause some amount of discomfort. Nausea, fatigue, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea are some of the minor symptoms of Vitamin E toxicity.

Tips While Using Vitamin E Oil On Face

Making Vitamin E Oil part of your daily skincare is highly beneficial for your skin. However, follow the below mentioned tips to ensure safe usage.

1. Dilute with a carrier oil. Vitamin E Oil is thick and may even prove to be too strong for undiluted application. Always mix Vitamin E oil with your favourite carrier oil ( coconut, olive, almond, sesame) to reap its benefits.

2. Rinse off after 10 to 15 minutes of application if you have sensitive skin. Leaving it too long may irritate your skin.

3. Do a patch test if you are using it for the first time. Apply to a small area and leave it on. Wait for at least a day to check if you are allergic to it.

4. Consult your doctor if you plan to use Vitamin E Oil to treat a skin disorder.

5. If you are using Vitamin E capsules on your face, check the stability of the product. Vitamin E is highly unstable and oxidizes when exposed to the air.

The Last Word

Skin benefits of Vitamin E are well known in the fields of dermatology and Ayurveda. Whether it's a bottle of Vitamin E Oil or contents squeezed out of a Vitamin E capsule, regular usage is sure to give you blemish free, smooth skin. Being an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, Vitamin E not only keeps your skin younger but also free from various skin diseases. Adhere to the simple safety precautions mentioned in this article while using Vitamin E and flaunt beautiful skin everywhere you go.

Know Your Dosha Now