why Vitamin E is a game-changer for your skin
The skincare world is often quick to hail new ingredients and formulas as ‘true game changers.’ Sometimes, though, the most innovative game-changers of all are those that have been around since, well, forever. Enter Vitamin E.
An old beauty friend and one of the main components of Moringa Oil, the ingredient has long been incorporated into skincare products, promising and delivering hydrating, antioxidant, and protective benefits.
But what does it actually do? Glad you asked. Below, we break down why exactly this nutrient is so good for your skin. Take note, then go apply some via our little wonder serum.
First things first: What is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient found in foods like avocado, pumpkin, and wheat germ oil. The form humans can metabolise is called Alpha-tocopherol and acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals.
The vitamin also supports the immune system, and its anti-inflammatory properties make getting enough of it essential to your everyday health.
Most often in skincare, Vitamin E can be found in oil or cream form.
So what are its benefits?
Where to start! Vitamin E serves a number of important functions to your skin health, which is why it should be a staple of your skincare routine.
- It seals in moisture. Vitamin E allows for long-lasting moisture retention between your skin cells, delivering up to 16 hours of hydration -- which, in turns, makes it a great anti-ageing ingredient.
- It protects the lipid barrier. Vitamin E maintains your skin's protective barrier intact, keeping lipids fresh and providing your skin with the hydration it needs to get you through the day.
- It’s a great antioxidant. This little nutrient gives strength to nerve fibres, feeds nutrients to the skin cells, and encourages cell renewal, neutralising harmful free radicals and discouraging sebum (oil) oxidation, which prevents blackheads.
- It speeds up skin healing. Because it is an antioxidant, Vitamin E can heal the skin from sunburn and any form of irritation and injury, and accelerate haling of skin damage such as burns and wounds by as much as 50% of rate.
- It’s an anti-pollutant. Formulas containing vitamin E provide conditioning to environmentally exposed skin, protecting it from pollution and external aggressors.
- It’s photo-protective (it works against the sun!). Combined with vitamin C -- of which Moringa Oil is also rich -- and used under sunscreen, Vitamin E can provide four times the protection of sunscreen alone.
Any side effects?
When used in its pure form, in a capsule, and applied directly to the skin, vitamin E may cause dermatitis-type reactions. It could also potentially clog pores and, for those who are prone to acne and breakouts, exacerbating the problem.
Blended with all the other ingredients in Moringa Oil, however, the Vitamin just adds to a balanced skincare routine, soothing irritated and dry skin, while also adding loads of hydration to your targeted areas.