Vitamin E, the Amazing Skin Antioxidant

You probably know about Vitamin E (tocopherol) as a skincare product. Tocopherols are excellent for skincare. They contain antioxidants, which can protect the skin and provide rejuvenating effects. Read on to learn more...
Vitamin E, the Amazing Skin Antioxidant - Sole Toscana

You probably know about Vitamin E (tocopherol) as a skincare product. But did you know that it isn't one compound, but eight chemical forms of fat-soluble compounds found in nature? 

Researchers discovered this vitamin in 1922 when they gave rats a purified diet that lacked vitamin E. As a result, the animals became infertile. When researchers added wheat germ to the food, the rats regained their fertility. The researchers isolated this oil-based substance that would become vitamin E and called it the "anti-sterility" vitamin. However, later studies didn't approve that vitamin E is necessary for fertility.

Tocopherols are excellent for skincare, though. They contain antioxidants, which can protect the skin and provide rejuvenating effects.

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More about the ingredient 

Natural vitamin E occurs in eight chemical forms: alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocotrienol and alpha, beta-, gamma-, and delta-tocopherol. Alpha-tocopherol is the only form proven to meet human health requirements, so if you want to use supplements, do some research to ensure the brand you chose has the right kind of tocopherol.

How can you add Vitamin E to your diet? Consume sweet potatoes, nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts, eggs, avocado, and greens. 

Since it is a fat-soluble vitamin, you also need to eat fats. If your body isn't absorbing fat, or you're not eating enough, you can develop a vitamin E deficiency. 

Internal health benefits of vitamin E

Vitamin E's antioxidant properties help protect our cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, which can cause cardiovascular disease and cancer. It's also involved in creating red blood cells, which are vital for proper circulation and oxygenation of the tissues and organs.

Vitamin E protects artery walls and keeps "bad" LDL cholesterol from accumulating and narrowing arteries. It's also essential in protecting the health of nerves, and in preventing mental degeneration that comes with aging. Some studies indicate that vitamin E supplements may aid in reducing the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.

Benefits to the skin

When applied topically, the powerful antioxidants in vitamin E protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays. Tocopherols also tighten the appearance of the skin, making vitamin E the perfect addition to anti-aging formulas.

Vitamin E is a thick oil that works as an effective moisturizer- use it to replace your night cream. Ensure you add it to your favorite carrier oil plus a little lavender essential oil to calm yourself into a deep sleep. Applying an intense concentration of the oil can be a lot for the skin to handle at once.

Vitamin E is also an excellent natural preservative in skincare, so you'll see it in products but as tocopherol, since FDA labeling requirements prohibit the use of the word "vitamin" on cosmetic labels. To ensure you're using natural Vitamin E, reach out to the company and inquire about their vitamin E sourcing. Some brands use synthetic vitamin E.

TRY IT!

We use 100% naturally derived Vitamin E in a few of our favorite skincare products, such as the Rosehip & Calendula Triple Cream. Use these daily, and you're likely to see your skin become more moisturized, resilient, and youthful-looking.

With love,

​The Sole Toscana Beauty Team