What does vitamin E do for skin?

What vitamin E does in skin

Vitamin E is a fat soluble antioxidant, meaning it helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Your skin naturally contains vitamin E in sebum, the oil on the skin surface, and vitamin E helps defend skin cells from damage. Vitamin E comes in eight forms, so one letter is doing a surprising amount of administrative work.14

Topical vitamin E moisturizes skin from the outside. Vitamin E also appears in products such as moisturizers and sunscreens, but the ingredient's presence does not tell you how well a particular product will work.15

What the evidence does and does not show

Fine line claims run on a calendar that has never heard of overnight shipping: changes can take several months, and vitamin E oil may not work for everyone.2

Before using a scar product containing vitamin E, talk with a board certified dermatologist.3

Vitamin E skin products have not been shown to help heal minor burns or sunburn. Do not use vitamin E oil for those purposes unless your care team directs you to.2

For atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, there is no convincing evidence that vitamin E supplements help treat the condition. A supplement is not a proven substitute for care aimed at eczema.6

How to use topical vitamin E

There is no single schedule for every vitamin E product. Follow the label on the product you have rather than assuming it belongs in a morning or evening routine.2

1. 1Read the label and apply the product as directed.
2. 2Keep topical vitamin E oil for external use. Do not take it by mouth.
3. 3Avoid the eyes. If the product gets in an eye, rinse well with cool tap water.

When to stop or ask for help

Stop using topical vitamin E if irritation occurs. Mild irritation, redness or dryness can happen; contact your care team if these effects continue or bother you. Seek prompt advice for a rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or burning, itching, crusting or peeling on treated skin.2

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your care team before using topical vitamin E cream or oil sold as a medication.2

Can food or supplements help skin?

Vitamin E also comes from food, and dietary vitamin E can support skin health from the inside. Food sources include nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, spinach and broccoli. Most people can get the vitamin E they need from food and do not need a supplement.145

High dose vitamin E supplements can increase bleeding risk. If you take a blood thinner, do not start a vitamin E supplement without medical advice. Supplements are also not a proven treatment for eczema or scars.16

Vitamin E deficiency is rare and is often linked to a condition that affects fat absorption. If you have a known fat absorption disorder or concerns about deficiency, ask a healthcare provider whether testing or a supplement is appropriate.7