Vitamin E oil is a special product that contains Vitamin E , either organic or synthetic . But, instead of a capsule, like most vitamins, Vitamin E oil usually comes in a large bottle. It is not 100 % vitamin E as that would be too sticky. Vitamin E oil also contains other ingredients, like coconut oil to make it the right viscosity for topical application. This oil is not meant for internal consumption, only topical use. There are many brands selling Vitamin E Oil, so it can be difficult to find the best one. Most of them are quite similar, and your choice should depend on what the company uses as fillers and binders, that is the extras. Vitamin E oil is absolutely amazing for getting the facial glow you have always desired. One can also use a natural oil, that is super rich in Vitamin E, like Wheat Germ Oil.
Vitamin E Oil Sources
This only mainly contains Vitamin E in its liquid form. Now, this Vitamin E can be obtained in 2 ways. The manufacturer can either chemically produce Vitamin E ( the synthetic ) in the lab, purely from chemicals. Or, the manufacturer can enrich a food source rich in Vitamin E and obtain a “more natural” form of Vitamin E. After the Vitamin E is obtained, it is not put directly into the bottle and sold as Vitamin E oil. The vitamin is way too greasy, sticky, and viscous. And it may have an unpleasant odor. So, Vitamin E obtained is added with certain other ingredients, mostly natural, to make it a usable skin product. There can be many things, like soybean oil, coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, etc., and you need to look for these on the product label.
Uses Of Vitamin E Oil
Since Vitamin E oil contains significant amounts of Vitamin E, it is great for the skin. There are many ways in which one can put this product to use. And it promises excellent results for the skin. Vitamin E, even the synthetic one, is generally safe for the skin.
1. As a Night Cream
Take a small amount of Vitamin E oil and dab it under the eyes. Make sure you have removed all makeup before using this. Synthetic Vitamin E ( tocopheryl acetate ) in this oil can react with makeup chemicals and even sunlight and form dangerous, sometimes even carcinogenic products. There is also some concern about contamination with hydroquinone in synthetic ( lab generated ) vitamin E. Therefore, it is best to go with Vitamin E oil which contains natural Vitamin E, like natural oil. This treatment keeps under-eye skin thick, supple and strong. It reduces the risk of developing the cheek wrinkle (a large fold evident when you move the cheek up towards the eyes ). Since Vitamin E prevents excess melanin formation [1], it safeguards the eyes from dark circles.
2. Natural Anti-Aging product
Regular application of Vitamin E oil can give a person younger-looking skin. Isn’t that what we all want. The anti-aging effects of most natural products are slow, and they become evident after regular application for months, even years. So, be sure to apply your Vitamin E oil regularly for this effect. How does this work? A form of Vitamin E, gamma-tocotrienol, can reverse damage due to UVB radiation to some extent. Our skin ages prematurely because of damage is done to it by harmful solar radiation and the free radicals in our environment. Vitamin E reduces the damage to the skin framework because of both these factors. [2]
3. Slather right after a shower
Vitamin E is an excellent moisturizer. Vitamin E oil usually contains coconut oil which is also a renowned moisturizer. So, when you have taken a bath, apply Vitamin E oil all over your skin in a thin layer. Within a few minutes, it gets absorbed into the skin and doesn’t feel like grease. This simple daily routine can give a much smoother and gentle skin, much like a baby. Vitamin E can also help to regulate the functioning of oil-secreting glands in the skin. These glands release sebum (the body’s natural oil ) which is the perfect skin moisturizer.
4. Heal many people have noted any scar Vitamin E
To fasten the recovery of injured skin tissue. So, the entire process of scabbing, shedding, and healing takes place much faster. Apply Vitamin E oil on any scar, like pigmentation scars, keloid scars, scars made by cuts, scrapes, wounds, surgeries, etc. It can also be used for acne scars, like boxcar or icepick scars, but only if it doesn’t break you out. People who are dealing with bleeding disorders should, however, avoid using it on healing tissue. These areas are prone to bleeding again, and this might cause a problem.
5. Get rid of dull and dry skin
People who regularly experience dry skin, even after winter, can use this oil to get rid of the dryness. Vitamin E oil reduces dryness and flakiness. One can apply it specifically to dry areas and see how it performs after regular application for few weeks. Vitamin E concentration in the skin may increase, and one may not have dry skin at all, even after withdrawing the use of Vitamin E oil, which is great. Vitamin E oil can make skin look a bit more radiant.
6. Smooth Tangle Free Hair
Adding a few drops of Vitamin E oil to a regular shampoo turns into a more powerful anti-tangle solution. This is also experimented with by many shampoo manufacturers. The trick of adding oil to a shampoo routine seems odd, but it sure does make the hair silky. Combing becomes much easier, and there is way less hair falling out in combing. Vitamin E oil also provides Vitamin E to the scalp. This keeps the scalp skin healthy and well moisturized. It can also prevent dandruff.
Vitamin E also adds luster to hair, making them look shiny. Without nutrition, hair looks brittle and lifeless. Using Vitamin E oil can mask this by making hair bright and untangle.
7. Relieves Psoriasis
People who have psoriasis often get relief by applying Vitamin E from a punctured capsule. Vitamin E oil should be applied to psoriasis lesions. Since Vitamin E is a potent skin healer, these scaly, irritated skin patches heal faster. It is also helpful in eczema and many other inflammatory skin conditions.
8. Anti Stretch Marks
Vitamin E is great for diminishing stretch marks. Stretch marks are a kind of scar resulting from tearing in the dermis. This happens because of strain within the dermis. Vitamin E penetrates the dermis ( the second layer of skin underneath the epidermis ) and starts healing the scar. Within a few weeks, the depression fills up, and the scar diminishes in appearance.
9. Sunburn Relief
Vitamin E oil can provide mild relief from sunburns. It is not as effective as aloe vera gel, but it helps if you have this oil around.
10. Easy Makeup Remover
Do you spend hours trying to get rid of the last etches of makeup. Try natural Vitamin E oil. Put a few drops of this oil on a cotton ball and wipe in a firm motion, hugging the skin tightly. All the makeup comes off in a single swipe. This works for eye makeup, too, especially mascara. Makeup products have an affinity to this oil, and they stick to it, leaving the skin behind.
Word of Caution: Do not use synthetic Vitamin E oil to remove makeup because of the risk of developing dermatitis and carcinogenic products.
What’s the Difference between Vitamin E oil and a natural source of Vitamin E?
That is a pertinent question that needs to be addressed. One can use a natural oil with lots of natural Vitamin E and get the same benefits as Vitamin E oil. However, there is a stark difference in their concentration of Vitamin E. Vitamin E oil, usually in 4 fl oz bottle size. Vitamin E in Vitamin E oil ranges from 5000 IU to as high as 70,000 in some products. 1 IU Vitamin E = 0.667 mg ) . So even 5000 IU means 3335 mg. 1 fl oz equals approximately 29. 57 gm. So, four fl oz is 118.28 gm. So, we are talking about 3000 mg Vitamin E per 100 gm. Compare this to Vitamin E in natural sources, like wheat germ oil is only about 150 gm per 100 gm. However, Vitamin E oil may not be as potent as Wheat Germ oil. Why? The answer lies in bioavailability. Vitamin E obtained from a natural source like almond has only d- alpha-tocopherol. Synthetic Vitamin E contains only about 12 % d- alpha-tocopherol. Rest all of it are optical isomers ( mirror image molecules ) of d-alpha-tocopherol. They look pretty much like the siblings of d-alpha-tocopherol.
But, our body is very intelligent and detects the extra optical isomers. These too are Vitamin E, but a different type of Vitamin E. Human body preferably absorbs alpha-tocopherol found in natural sources. As a result, natural Vitamin E is three times more bioavailable than synthetic Vitamin E. [3]
Natural Sources of Vitamin E Among Oils
These are alternatives to Vitamin E oil. Many natural oils are rich in Vitamin E. This makes them good for use in a skincare regimen.
| Oil | Vitamin E ( mg per 100 gm ) |
| Wheat Germ Oil | 150 mg |
| Sunflower Oil | 41 mg |
| Safflower Oil | 34 mg |
| Almond Oil | 39 mg |
| Hazelnut Oil | 47 mg |
| Palm Oil | 15 mg |
| Olive Oil | 14 mg |
| Canola Oil | 22 mg |
| Soybean Oil | 12 mg |
| Corn Oil | 15 mg |
| Grapeseed Oil | 29 mg |
| Rice bran Oil | 32 mg |
| Babassu Oil | 19 mg |
| Flaxseed Oil | 17 mg |
| Peanut Oil | 16 mg |
| Oat Oil | 14 mg |
| Poppyseed Oil | 11 mg |
| Apricot Kernel Oil | 4 mg |
| Palm Kernel Oil | 4 mg |
Data were taken from NutritionData.com.
We can see that Wheat Germ Oil stands out as an exceptionally good source of Vitamin E among oils. That is why it is used in many skincare products, especially lip balms and face creams.
Safety And Toxicity Issues
As long as you are applying topically, it is generally safe to use Vitamin E oil or any natural vitamin e containing oil. The safe limit of Vitamin E is often stated to be 1000 mg per day ( Wikipedia ). Above this level, hypervitaminosis E starts to take place. This is a state of Vitamin E poisoning, and it can have strange symptoms ranging from blotchy skin to bone pain. Do not use Vitamin E oil internally. People who have bleeding disorders too should avoid it, as Vitamin E is an anticoagulant. Some people may even be allergic to Vitamin E. They may develop contact dermatitis upon exposure to synthetic Vitamin E. These people should avoid Vitamin E oil. Even when applied topically, Vitamin E gets absorbed into the blood and gets used in the same way as Vitamin E obtained from food. However, Vitamin E tends to accumulate under the skin.
Synergy With Vitamin C
The antioxidant effect of Vitamin E magnifie in the presence of Vitamin C [4]. When a Vitamin E molecule tackles a free radical, it gets used. Up. But, when Vitamin C is present, it reactive that Vitamin E molecule so that the body can reuse it. Strong synergy exists between Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Make use of this synergy by mixing a vitamin C-rich ingredient in MCT oil. Eating foods rich in Vitamin C is also a great way to tap into this synergy. Together they help to keep skin protected from damage by free radicals and harmful UVB radiation.
References
- Clinical Experiences with Wheat Germ Oil (Vitamin E) – E. M. Watson
- The role of vitamin E in normal and damaged skin. – Nachbar F, Korting HC.
- Effect of-tocotrienol on melanin content and enzymes for melanin synthesis in mouse melanoma cells. Michihara A, Ogawa S, Kamizaki Y, Akasaki K. Biol Pharm Bull
- Suppression of gamma-tocotrienol on UVB induced inflammation in HaCaT keratinocytes and HR-1 hairless mice via inflammatory mediators multiple signaling. Shibata A, Nakagawa K, Kawakami Y, Tsuzuki T, Miyazawa T. J
- Biodiscrimination of alpha-tocopherol stereoisomers in humans after oral administration.Kiyose C1, Muramatsu R, Kameyama Y, Ueda T, Igarashi O. NCBI.
- Vitamin C enhances vitamin E status and reduces oxidative stress indicators in sea bass larvae fed high DHA microdiets. -Betancor MB, Caballero MJ, Terova G, Corà S, Saleh R, Benítez-Santana T, Bell JG, Hernández-Cruz CM, Izquierdo M. NCBI.