Vitamin E For Skin

Our guide for everything you need to know about vitamin E, how to use it and why it's so good for your skin.

Vitamin E For Skin

Vitamin E is a key ingredient in skincare. But why should you use it? And what does Vitamin E do for your skin? We’re going to dive into the benefits of this popular skincare ingredient, chat through ways you can make the most of it, and find out how you can get the best possible results when using vitamin E for skin.

Introducing a skincare hero: vitamin E

Vitamin E is often available in creams and as oils. It’s also added to a number of different products that you may not even be aware of, including anti-ageing creams, eye serums, sunscreens, and makeup. So why is it so popular and what are the benefits of using vitamin E for skincare routines?

What is vitamin E?

So, yes, it’s a vitamin. But ‘vitamin E’ refers to a group of compounds, generally absorbed via the foods we eat, that contribute to the normal functioning of the human body. But it’s also hugely beneficial when applied topically in skincare.

What does vitamin E do for your skin?

Applying vitamin E to your skin helps protect delicate skin from damage due to its antioxidant properties. It’s also extremely hydrating – it’s both a ‘humectant’ and an ‘emollient’ – so it helps your skin absorb water and traps it within the skin too. And it’s even been shown to help relieve eczema for some people.

There are so many benefits to using vitamin E for your skin! But a few of them really stand out…

Vitamin E benefits for skin

1) Strengthens your skin barrier

A strong skin barrier allows your skin to retain water and stay hydrated. It can even help minimise skin sensitivity.

2) Super moisturising

When your skin barrier is stronger, your skin is able to retain more moisture. That makes vitamin E a brilliant addition to any routine – especially for those with very dry skin, or for colder, drier months. It’ll help keep any dry spots away, so you can enjoy smooth, hydrated skin all year long.

3) Powerful antioxidant properties

Using vitamin E products provides a great dose of antioxidants, which helps prevent damage caused by free radicals (impurities that attach themselves to your face and cause skin damage).

Antioxidants also help boost your skin glow - it prevents the oxidisation of oil on your face, which can help minimise blackheads. Vitamin E products can protect your skin, and even help smooth out fine lines that were previously caused by these pesky free radicals.

4) Treats hyperpigmentation

Vitamin E is often used to help fade areas of hyperpigmentation. If this is an issue for you, it works even better when paired with vitamin C.

5) Protects from UV exposure

Vitamin E absorbs UVB light – that’s the kind of light which can cause skin damage and wrinkles. But it can only do so much to protect you and is definitely not an excuse to forgo sun cream. Thankfully, NIVEA sun creams cater to different skin types and needs, making it easy to find the best sun cream for your particular skin.

6) Fades acne scarring

Thanks to its moisturising properties and its ability to help repair and protect the skin barrier, vitamin E products are often used to help fade acne scarring. It’s more effective on light scarring, but consistent use of vitamin E during breakouts can also help prevent scarring.

7) Boosts cell turnover and regeneration

Vitamin E brings new cells to the surface faster, which speeds up healing, cell turnover, and regeneration. That makes it amazing in creams and serums, but also a fantastic addition to lip care products for its ability to quickly repair and protect chapped lips.

So, is vitamin E good for skin?

The answer here is a resounding yes! And there are plenty of NIVEA products to help you take full of advantage of vitamin E in your skincare routine.

Discover Rich Body lotion

Is vitamin E good for skin?

Body and face care

NIVEA features vitamin E in a range of products due to the wide range of benefits vitamin E has for the skin.

You might notice that sweet Almond Oil is often cited as a key ingredient in hydrating skincare products. That’s because it’s a natural ingredient with very high levels of vitamin E.

But vitamin E isn’t only for your face, it’s also intensely hydrating for skin all over the body.

NIVEA offers intensely moisturising and nourishing body lotions, like our NIVEA Rich Nourishing Body lotion which features our NIVEA Deep Moisture Serum. This innovative skincare technology is infused with natural almond oil and vitamin E for intense hydration. It even penetrates into the deeper layers of skin to ensure the moisturisation really lasts.

And of course, vitamin E features in a lot of facial skincare – everything from lip oils to face wash – it’s just that good. In fact, our NIVEA Refreshing Facial Wash Gel is infused with vitamin E to help the skin retain its moisture balance, strengthen the protective barrier, and offer extra hydration and protection for sensitive skin.

Is vitamin E good for skin?

The best type of vitamin E for your face

There are different types of vitamin E, but only one is beneficial to the human body. ‘Tocopherol’ is most often cited in a product’s ingredients list, and it’s verified for use all over the body!

So if you’re wondering whether your skincare features vitamin E (and it’s not already called out on the label), take a look at the ingredient list and you’ll soon find out.

Sources of vitamin E

How to top up your vitamin E levels

As previously mentioned, vitamin E is an essential vitamin and contributes to the normal functioning of the human body. It’s hugely beneficial in skincare, but you should also consume vitamin E to reap all the possible benefits. But where can you find it?

Sources of vitamin E

What to eat

Good sources of vitamin E include plant oils, like rapeseed oil, sunflower, corn, or olive oil. Nuts and seeds are also excellent sources. Wheatgerm, found in cereals, will also help to boost your vitamin E levels.

Sources of vitamin E

Vitamin E supplements

Using vitamin E-infused skincare is great. But your entire body can benefit from it too. If you think you’re low on this essential vitamin, try taking a supplement and you should see the benefit in your skin, hair, and even your eyes. It also strengthens the body’s immune system – which is always good in the winter months.

Make sure you don’t overdo it though as high doses of vitamin E can be harmful – it’s best to consult your doctor if you’re worried.

Excess vitamin E that your body doesn’t use instantly is stored for future use, so you probably don’t need to supplement every day (especially if your diet is rich in vitamin E too).

Caring for your skin

NIVEA products use a range of natural skincare ingredients when formulating our products to make sure everything works hard and contributes to keeping your skin healthy.

If you’re ever looking for skincare advice, just search the NIVEA website and you’re sure to find the info you need to create your perfect skincare routine.