Vitamin E is a fat-soluble, essential nutrient with anti-inflammatory properties that helps support the immune system, cell function, and skin health. It is an antioxidant, making it effective at combating the effects of free radicals produced by the metabolism of food and toxins in the environment. Vitamin E may be beneficial at reducing UV damage to skin. It may also be effective at reducing the symptoms of atopic dermatitis and fatty liver disease, and for slowing the progression of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Vitamin E is even used to widen blood vessels, reducing the risk of blood clots.
When applied to the skin, vitamin E is likely safe for most people. Vitamin E oil is very thick and hard to spread on skin, but it can make an excellent moisturizer for dry, patchy areas of skin. Products containing vitamin E as an ingredient may be easier to apply for overall use on skin. Problem areas that are very dry, such as the cuticles and elbows, might benefit from topical application of vitamin E oil.
However, there are some side effects of vitamin E. When inhaled, vitamin E is possibly unsafe. Use of e-cigarettes and other vaping products containing vitamin E acetate has been linked to serious lung injury in some people. Taking large amounts of vitamin E along with cyclosporine might increase how much cyclosporine the body absorbs. This might increase the effects and side effects of cyclosporine. The oral supplements of vitamin E may cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, intestinal cramps, fatigue, weakness, headache, blurred vision, and the increased concentration of creatinine in urine. However, such symptoms occur rarely. There are no severe side effects of topical application of Vitamin E oil. It may cause mild irritation in hypersensitive skin.
In summary, vitamin E is a beneficial nutrient for skin health, and it can be used topically to moisturize dry skin. However, it is important to be aware of the possible side effects of vitamin E supplements and to use caution when inhaling vitamin E.
