Our skin has a waterproof seal that keeps moisture in and prevents evaporation and moisture loss. However, the natural aging process and environmental influences can cause this protective barrier to break down, allowing the skin to lose moisture and become dry.

The good news here is that Vitamin E plays an important role in maintaining the barrier function. Vitamin E appears to enhance the penetration and resorption of skin lipids.

Topically applied Vitamin E is an excellent moisturiser that helps keep the skin healthy and soft. This valuable nutrient locks moisture into the skin and prevents dehydration.

Scientific studies have also recently discovered its effects as a tyronaise inhibitor. This means the dark spots that appear on our skin with age as part of sundamage, Vitamin E slows down the production of this melanin formation. Vitamin E penetrates more deeply than other inhibitors and is safer than others.

While there is no absolute protection from the sun, cosmetics and moisturisers containing antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, and Vitamin C, can counteract damage to cell membranes, DNA, and skin proteins due to oxidation caused by sunlight.

These materials don’t work like sunscreens, but they help minimise the damaging reactions in the skin, especially when used in conjunction with sunscreens.

So get cracking with applying Vitamin E to the skin morning or night, you can apply it with other topical preparations you have, you shouldn’t be without it!

By Leanne Cashmore NZRCN