The Benefits of Vitamin E

What is vitamin E?

Vitamin E doesn’t just consist of a singular vitamin, but instead is actually a mix of eight different compounds. We should generally be able to get enough vitamin E through eating a varied and balanced diet.

Why do we need it?

Vitamin E promotes healthy skin, hair and nails, and protects the body against illness, infection. As a very powerful antioxidant, it can also significantly reduce cell damage from free radicals (like pollution or UV light).  

What foods are rich in vitamin E?

• Plant oils (such as soya, sunflower and olive) 
• Sunflower seeds
• Nuts (almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts)
• Avocado
• Wheatgerm (found in cereal) 
• Red peppers 

Is vitamin E good for skincare?

Vitamin E is frequently sought after in skincare formulas as it can help protect skin cells from damage and help minimise acne. It also helps reduce under eye circles, wrinkles, and promotes healthy hair and nails when applied directly. Some people have even swear by using vitamin E dietary supplements for skincare by opening the tablet and using the gel as a topical serum; it should be advised that you should ultimately consult a dermatologist before attempting this in case of reaction. If you think vitamin E may help you, it is best to find a serum like this one from the Body Shop that you can patch test (try on a small area of your skin and check you don’t have a reaction) before incorporating into a routine.