Your skin is bombarded with assaults day in and day out: pollution, stress, smoke and unhealthy foods. That’s why antioxidants such as vitamin E as your skin’s own battalion.
Concentrated in the sebum and in the membranes of skin cells and the lipid-based ‘glue’ holding them together, vitamin E is helps to maintain the integrity and beauty of your complexion. By both consuming foods loaded with the nutrient and using products that contain E you’re actively protecting and nourishing your skin.
Vitamin E’s role
IT HELPS PREVENT SIGNS OF AGEING
Vitamin E fights the effects of free radical attacks by neutralising the free radicals. The process of protecting your skin depletes your stores of the vitamin quickly, though. Research has shown that even after a small amount of UV exposure, vitamin E levels in the skin drop by 50 percent. Hence the need to replenish this nutrient.
IT COMPLEMENTS YOUR SPF
Vitamin E also absorbs UVB light which is responsible for burning and ageing skin. Research shows that vitamin E together with vitamin C may increase the amount of time it takes SPF-free skin to burn, so it has a protective effect. This doesn’t mean you can skip the sunscreen though!
IT KEEPS SKIN HYDRATED AND CALM
Because vitamin E protects cell membranes, it indirectly helps skin stay moisturised and supple. Plus, it fights inflammation.
HOW MUCH?
Both men and women require 15 mg of vitamin E per day, a quota you can easily meet by cooking with vegetable oils, snacking on almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds and wheat germ. Spinach, kale, Swiss chard and broccoli also deliver healthy doses.
Choosing vitamin E products
Vitamin E is especially beneficial in sunscreens, daily moisturisers, treatment serums and after-sun products. Check ingredient lists and choose a product with alpha-tocopherol, a potent form of the vitamin. Better yet, consult with the Lasermed team to identify which skin product you should use.
