Vitamin E and Acne
Summer is upon us again, and if you’re planning on getting some sun you should protect your body with the right vitamins. Vitamin E is one of the best supplements when it comes to preventing sun damage, and its benefits are not limited just to that. Vitamin E is a versatile nutrient that can help protect and heal you skin in many ways, often helping the body combat afflictions such as acne scarring.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is available in both natural and synthetic forms. Although both forms are rich in antioxidants, research suggests that the natural form is more readily absorbed by the body and therefore more effective. Since it’s fat-soluble, it is possible to overdose on vitamin E, but toxicity is very rare and the tolerable limit (1,500+ IU per day) is seldom reached even in clinical doses.
Vitamin E plays a direct role in maintaining and protecting the structure of cell membranes, helping to keep your skin cells firm and healthy. It promotes tissue repair and healing. It’s also an essential contributor to your immune system as one of the most versatile antioxidants (along with vitamin C) in your body. One of the best-publicized benefits of vitamin E is the defense it provides against free-radicals caused by sun exposure. Free radicals are atoms or molecules that become oxidized and develop unpaired electrons, making them extremely reactive and capable of setting off chain-reactions within the body that can potentially destroy essential cellular components such as DNA. UV radiation from the sun is one of the major causes of free radicals.
Vitamin E plays a vital role in defending against free radicals, as it can safely interact with them and terminate the chain-reaction prior to any damage being caused to your cells. With its antioxidant properties and the role it plays in promoting healthy membranes, it’s no surprise that some have found it beneficial in combating acne, specifically in speeding the repair process from acne scars.
To promote skin health, vitamin E may be taken internally or applied topically. Research is somewhat divided about topical application, but many users report faster healing from scars that vitamin E is directly applied to, as well as a “healthy glow” to their skin. Some acne sufferers apply vitamin E to their scars at night to speed healing. Vitamin E is also popular in anti-aging products since, by firming-up your cells, it may reduce the appearance of fine lines. However, some users report experiencing more oily skin, which can promote acne.
Taken internally, the daily required dosage for vitamin E is very small at 22 IU, but for the treatment of any affliction, the recommended dosage is much higher, generally 400-800 IU. You are unlikely to see any visible improvement from vitamin E with doses lower than 400 IU. Sufficient supplementation with vitamin E will help not only your skin, but promote your health in countless other ways. For healing, a combination of vitamins E and C are highly recommended. Vitamin A, another important antioxidant for skin care, also works well in combination with vitamin E, as vitamin E regulates levels of vitamin A in the body.
While vitamin E will not specifically kill acne spots, it’s one of the best vitamins to use for helping to heal and eliminate the appearance of small scars or wounds that follow acne. The effects of free radicals can damage your skin cells and make you more susceptible to blemishes as well, so taking vitamin E is especially good advice if you spend a lot of time out in the sun.
