Can you put vitamin e on your face

The popularity of vitamin E in skincare knows no bounds - it is one of the most commonly used ingredients in many essential products. It is also found naturally in your body and in certain foods like nuts, seeds, vegetables, oils, green leafy vegetables and fish. In fact, if you go through your skincare collection right now, chances are you will find it in most items - serums, moisturisers, eye creams and others; even your oral skin supplements. So how does vitamin E oil help your skin and who should be using it? We are answering that and much more about vitamin E oil for the face and how to use it!

  • 1. Benefits of vitamin E oil for face
  • 2. What does vitamin E do for the skin and who can use it - an expert explains
  • 3. The ideal way of using vitamin E oil for face
  • 4. Why you should combine vitamin E oil and vitamin C in your skincare routine
  • 5. Tips to keep in mind while using vitamin E oil for your face
  • 6. FAQs about vitamin e oil for face
 

1. Benefits of vitamin E oil for face

Can you put vitamin e on your face

01. Moisturises your skin -

Vitamin E is well known for its moisturizing and healing properties. It is very commonly used in moisturisers to treat dry and flaky skin. The emollient properties of this compound also help strengthen your skin's barrier function and keep it healthy.

02. Can prevent UV damage to the skin -

Some studies have suggested that vitamin E can help absorb harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and protect your skin from premature aging. It can also help calm your skin after it’s been exposed to sun damage.

03. Prevents free radical damage -

Oxidative damage to the skin caused by free radicals (a result of environmental stressors like pollution and vehicle exhaust) causes damage to the skin's DNA, leading to accelerated aging. Vitamin E is a popular antioxidant that fights free radicals on the skin and minimizes day-to-day damage as a result.

04. Soothes inflammation -

Simply put, skin inflammation is our body's natural response to some form of healing and is considered the root cause of many skin issues. Vitamin E is a natural anti-inflammatory agent which can soothe and calm your skin and keep it happy from within.

05. Treats hyperpigmentation -

When combined with vitamin C, vitamin E oil can help fight types of hyperpigmentation and melasma in the skin.

06. Can help scar and wound healing -

The topical application of vitamin E has been associated with wound and scar healing in the skin.

07. Can help psoriasis and eczema sometimes -

Skin symptoms like dryness, itching, and flaking associated with eczema and psoriasis are common concerns. Vitamin E oil has shown effectiveness in alleviating these symptoms without any side effects.

 

2. What does vitamin E do for the skin and who can use it - an expert explains

Can you put vitamin e on your face

According to Dr. Kiran Sethi, MD, Celeb Skin and Wellness Expert, Isya Aesthetics, Delhi, “Vitamin E is an emollient - meaning it moisturises. It is also effective as an antioxidant, meaning it protects against damage from external elements like pollution, etc,” Actually, the term vitamin E refers to a group of oil-soluble compounds. “There are technically eight different types, but in skincare, you will usually see tocopherol which is the only form proven safe for usage,” revealed Dr. Sethi.

Even though vitamin E oil is quite popular with skincare enthusiasts, it is not meant for everyone. Dr. Sethi recommends, “Do not use it for acne-prone, oily or sensitive skin. It can even trigger acne and some people can be allergic to it. Even though only 1% of people have developed actual allergies to it, it is worth noting.”

 

3. The ideal way of using vitamin E oil for face

Can you put vitamin e on your face

Due to the potent and heavy consistency of vitamin E oil, you need to be a bit careful about using it properly. Dr. Sethi recommends, “First try it out in a moisturiser to see if it suits you. I love oils for Indian skin, so you can use the oil daily on dry skin. Also in combination with vitamin C, it has extra benefits, so use a product with both these vitamins. If using the oil, do it as the last step in your skincare routine at night. If using vitamin C, use in the morning,” Regardless of the product, always make sure to check that you are not sensitive to the oil.

When applying the oil on its own, we recommend incorporating vitamin E oil in your skincare regimen by following these simple steps:

Step 01: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and let it air dry; wiping with a towel can be too harsh on your skin.

Step 02: To open up your pores, wrap a hot/warm towel around your face for a few minutes. This step helps the oil soak in better.

Step 03: Take a pea-sized amount of oil in your hand, warm it up in between your palms and gently dab it onto your skin. The dabbing action ensures you are gentle with your skin and the oil is delivered in concentrated amounts without being rubbed off from your palms.

 

4. Why you should combine vitamin E oil and vitamin C in your skincare routine

Can you put vitamin e on your face

As mentioned before, vitamin E oil works best when combined with vitamin C in your skincare routine. It is recommended to use vitamin E oil as the last step of your skincare routine, as it can be heavier than some moisturisers. When combining with vitamin C (or even ferulic acid), you are stabilizing the compound and improving its natural production within your skin as well. While vitamin C looks after your skin's surface, vitamin E goes to work on the deeper layers. Together, they work as an antioxidant cocktail that your skin will thank you for years to come!

 

5. Tips to keep in mind while using vitamin E oil for your face

Can you put vitamin e on your face

01. Vitamin E does not mix well with water-based products. As such, it is highly recommended to use it on completely dry skin, or else it won’t bond with your skin well.

02. Even after a recommendation by a dermatologist, vitamin E oil should always be used after doing a successful patch test. Massage a drop of vitamin E oil on the back of your hand and leave it on for 24 hours. If you notice any itchiness, dryness or redness during this time, your skin is probably too sensitive for it. If not, it can be used on your face.

03. Since vitamin E oil can be quite sticky, it is recommended to be used at night. Wait for it to dry completely before going to bed. The oil can stain your bedding; you can also lay down a towel to avoid spoiling your pillowcases.

04. Vitamin E oil can also be used in the form of sheet masks that come drenched in the essence. Make sure to gently massage your face after removing the mask to soak up any leftovers.

05. Vitamin E oil should always be applied on a squeaky clean face. Since the oil is already heavy, applying on to a dirty, or makeup-laden face can lead to clogging of pores.

 

6. FAQs about vitamin e oil for face

Can you put vitamin e on your face

1) Can you use vitamin E oil for the lips?

A. Yes, vitamin E oil can be used for the lips. It helps improve circulation and rejuvenate skin cells - which keeps them soft and supple.

2) Can vitamin E oil clog pores?

A. One of the main reasons why vitamin E oil is not recommended for acne-prone skin is because it can clog pores. In fact, this is true for any heavy, oil-based product which can lead to your breakouts getting worse.

3) Will vitamin E oil darken the skin?

A. No, the common misconception that vitamin E oil can darken your skin is false. In fact, it helps deal with pigmentation and uneven skin tones in some cases.

How long should I leave vitamin E on my face?

Essential oils like Vitamin E oil evaporate easily and don't stay on the skin for long hours if applied alone. If you have oily or sensitive skin, leaving Vitamin E oil on for the whole night is not recommended. Wash off the oil 15 minutes after application.

Can you apply vitamin E oil directly to skin?

Vitamin E oil is derived from vitamin E and can be applied directly to the skin, or added to lotions, creams, and gels. It is available for purchase in many health food stores and online. Many supporters of vitamin E oil argue that it is a potent antioxidant, but research on its benefits is mixed.

What does vitamin E do for your face skin?

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that may be effective at reducing UV damage in skin. And vitamin E applied topically may help nourish and protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals.

What happens if you put vitamin E oil on your face?

As an antioxidant, Vitamin E can improve the appearance of skin by helping the face look firmer and fuller, and helping keep some of the main signs of ageing, i.e. wrinkles and fine lines, at bay. It does this by keeping the lipids (natural fats) fresh in the skin, which helps keep the skin's protective barrier intact.