Everything You Need to Know Before Including Vitamin E in Your Beauty Regime

Dry, flaking skin or sudden fine lines near your eyes bothering you? Meet your new Holy Grail beauty ingredient, Vitamin E.

"It's found in many skincare products labeled tocopherol.As long as the form of Vitamin E is stable (ferulic acid is often added to Vitamin E and Vitamin C formulations to inhibit photoaging and UV damage too), there shouldn't be a problem in applying vitamin E on your face and body," says Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, dermatologist, Isaac Luxe.  

This fat-soluble, versatile Vitamin is the hidden crusader in many of your super-moisturizing lotions and dryness-busting creams. But it also has not-so-hidden super powers that make it great for anti-aging remedies too. 

“Vitamin E can ideally be used all year round especially if you have dry, dehydrated skin or for anti-aging remedies. It helps making the skin hydrated, moisturised and supple as well as takes care of the fine lines on the face,” says Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra, dermatologist and founder, Skin Alive.

Many dermatologists also recommend Vitamin E as an antidote for acne scars or hyperpigmentation. 

“Vitamin E cleans up the skin from the damage caused by sun burns, radiation, acne scars and many others. It has a lot of benefits but you should never exceed the prescribed dose without consulting your specialist,” says Dr Bharti Magoo, 

Another perk of including it in your skincare regime is its sunscreen benefits. A non-photosensitive formulation, this also makes it an ideal fit in your morning skincare routine. So, before you make a beeline to splurge on everything Vitamin E, here’s all you need to know before including it in your skincare regime:

Serums vs Capsules vs Creams

The antioxidant is available in many avatars that may confuse you…which one should you use? Well, the answer lies in the formulations and the efficacy. 

Evion Cream, Rs 185

While many skincare enthusiasts may have you believe that you can use Vitamin E capsules on your face, the reality is rather meh. “The popular concept of applying Vitamin E from edible capsules is not really effective. The formulations for face and oral ingestion differ vastly with regard to the molecule size and efficacy. Sure, you may experience minor relief but it will not be long-lasting,” says Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra.

Timeless Skin Care 20% Vitamin C Plus E Ferulic Acid Serum, Rs 4,122 

However, skincare newbies will do well to start with a cream formulation to get started since serums are technically more potent concentrations. She also adds, “Serums are by far the most efficient form of using this in your regime. The absorption is better and it is non-interactive so you can use it with other ingredients such as Vitamin C for maximum results.” 

Include it in your AM and PM routine

Vitamin E is one of the few products that lose efficacy during daytime. So, you can use it as a moisturiser as well as a sunscreen.  

“In addition, vitamin E can also absorb the energy from ultraviolet (UV) light. Thus, it plays important roles in photo-protection, preventing UV-induced free radical damage to skin. When vitamin E is combined with vitamin C and used under sunscreen, it can provide four times the protection of sunscreen alone,” says Plabita Sharma, skincare expert, The Body Shop India.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Gel Moisture Cream, Rs 1,095

For maximum repairing it is advisable to use it as a serum in your PM routine because your skin heals when you are resting.  

AVOID if you’re prone to acne

Vitamin E isn’t an effective remedy for everyone. While it not a volatile or abrasive concoction, certain skin types should steer clear of its moisturizing properties. “If you experience frequent breakouts or have pores that clog easily, applying topical vitamin E oil could aggravate the symptoms. Using products with vitamin E is best suited for normal and dry skin types,” says Plabita.

Say hello to Vitamin E for hair!

Including Vitamin E oils in your haircare regime can do wonders for those with damaged tresses. From hair products infused with Vitamin E to oils rich in this antioxidant, there are plenty of ways to use it.

“Vitamin E for hair is very beneficial. It repairs hair damaged by excessive heat styling and restrictive hairstyles because it is a natural antioxidant. It prevents hair loss and promotes a healthy scalp. I would recommend getting your dose from avocados, dry fruits, peanuts, wheat germ oil and grapeseed oil,” says Dr Bharti Magoo. 

If you want to head the oiling way to nourish your roots, here's a pro tip. "Take 2 teaspoons each of pure vitamin E oil, 2 tablespoons of Jojoba oil and 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel. Beat them together till get you a fluffy gel pack. This will get rid of scalp infections, unclog hair follicles and moisturize your strands too. Keep it on for 30-45 minutes and wash it off with a sulfate-free shampoo. Apply undiluted vitamin E oil in winters. We all have dry patches and it just heals itchy, rough, and tight skin. In fact, applying it straight to the scalp or the ends of your hair will only make things better. Since Vitamin E is fat-soluble, it penetrates faster and can actually help get rid of mild fungal infections or just make your hair straighter and much more nourished," says Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta.