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Discover 5 Vitamin E Benefits for Skin

Uncover 4 Tips on How to Use Vitamin E for Skin, learn how the powerful antioxidant can help protect the skin, hydrate, and help with skin repair.

What Is Vitamin E?

Vitamin E, scientifically known as tocopherol, is a naturally occurring nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining healthy skin. Found in foods such as nuts, seeds, and leafy greens, Vitamin E is recognised for its antioxidant properties.

Due to its antioxidant properties, Vitamin E and its derivatives are a common ingredient in many skincare products, including face creams, oils, serums, cleansers, sunscreens, and even makeup. The popularity stems from its ability to help protect and support the skin’s natural barrier

5 Vitamin E Benefits for Skin

Vitamin E is highly valued in skincare due to its wide range of proven and perceived benefits. Whether you're looking to help reduce signs of ageing or maintain a skin glow, Vitamin E can be a great addition to your routine. Here’s how it works:
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Skin protection against the harmful UV rays effects:

Although Vitamin E is not a substitute for sunscreen and does not directly protect against UV rays, it could play a complementary role in protecting the skin against damage caused by free radicals generated by ultraviolet rays. Thanks to its antioxidant action, Vitamin E can be used in conjunction with UV sunscreens to combat free radicals, helping to reduce the risk of sun-induced skin damage.

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Protect From Free Radicals:

Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to neutralise free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage the cells in your body, including your skin. They are often caused by things such as unprotected sun exposure and pollution. 
When too many free radicals build up, they create something called oxidative stress. On the skin, oxidative stress can show up as signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and a loss of firmness and elasticity.

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Supports Skin Barrier Repair:

Vitamin E supports skin barrier repair by neutralising free radicals - molecules that can break down the skin’s natural protective barrier over time. This barrier is important for keeping moisture in and blocking out pollutants, bacteria, and UV rays. Vitamin E, being an antioxidant, helps to reduce oxidative stress, which can weaken this barrier.

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Hydrates and Soothes:

Vitamin E helps your skin attract and retain moisture by improving the skin’s ability to hold onto water. This happens because Vitamin E strengthens the skin's lipid barrier, allowing it to trap moisture more effectively. It also helps maintain the skin's natural moisture balance, reducing water loss and preventing dryness. 

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Reduces Signs of Ageing and Dullness:

With regular use, Vitamin E can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving skin hydration and boosting the skin's elasticity. This happens because Vitamin E supports Collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin firmness. It also helps to brighten the skin by reducing the oxidative stress that can lead to uneven skin tone and dullness.

Vitamin E for Skin

Facts Overview

Why Do We Need Vitamin E? Vitamin E helps address skin challenges caused by oxidative stress from environmental factors such as UV rays, pollution, and free radicals. When the skin's natural barrier is compromised, it can lead to dryness, irritation, and visible signs of ageing. 

Benefits of Vitamin E for Skin: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin, hydrates, and helps with skin repair. As a result of these effects, it can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How Vitamin E Protects Your Skin: Regularly incorporating Vitamin E into your skincare routine can strengthen the skin's natural barrier. Using Vitamin E-rich products alongside sunscreen and moisturising ingredients like Hyaluron can boost protection and hydration, preventing damage and irritation caused by external factors.

4 Tips on How to Use Vitamin E for Skin

Vitamin E is versatile and can be easily incorporated into your daily skincare routine. Here are some tips for using Vitamin E, no matter your skin type:
Young woman applying Nivea serum
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Use Vitamin E in Creams, Serums, and Lotions:

Vitamin E is commonly found in moisturisers, serums, and creams, making it easy to add to your routine. Apply a Vitamin E-enriched product after cleansing, when your skin is still slightly damp, to lock in moisture and enhance its benefits.

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Daily Use:

Vitamin E is gentle on the skin and can be used daily. Whether in a morning or evening skincare routine, the hydrating and protective properties make it ideal for regular use.

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Pair with sunscreens for Extra Protection:

Vitamin E pairs remarkably well with sunscreens, as it may help protect your skin from oxidative stress caused by UV rays, while your sunscreen with SPF protects against UV rays. For optimal protection and double the benefits, opt for products containing both antioxidants and broad-spectrum sunscreen, such as NIVEA Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF 30+, which contains, in addition to UVA and UVB filters, antioxidant Vitamin E and Vitamin C, as well as Hyaluronic Acid to help lock in moisture.

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Include Vitamin E Through Your Diet:

In addition to skin care use, you can help support your skin health by consuming Vitamin E-rich foods such as almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach, and avocados. This can help heal your skin from within, providing it with additional antioxidants and supporting its hydration.

NIVEA Skin Care Enriched with Vitamin E

Vitamin E is known for its protective benefits for the skin. NIVEA integrates this powerful ingredient into many of its skincare products to contribute to lasting hydration, protection, and care. Discover NIVEA skin care that is enriched with Vitamin E:

Vitamin E for All Around Skincare:

NIVEA Soft Daily UV SPF 15 - This is a versatile moisturising cream enriched with Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E for lasting softness. Appropriate for use on the face, body, and hands, NIVEA Soft intensely moisturises and leaves skin feeling fresh. Its non-greasy and light formula provides 48 hours of hydration*.

Vitamin E for Face:

NIVEA Luminous630® Anti-Spot Daily UV Fluid SPF 50 - This innovative skincare fluid is designed to help dark spots and uneven skin tone. With the power of Thiamidol and SPF 50, it offers intensive care for your skin while protecting it from UV rays. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling smooth, luminous, and visibly more even. Perfect for everyday use, it brightens and enhances your complexion.

Vitamin E for Face Cleansing:

NIVEA Skin Glow Serum Infused Micellar Water – This gentle yet effective micellar water is enriched with a 5% serum containing Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and an Amino Acid Complex. It cleanses, brightens, and hydrates the skin while removing makeup and impurities. The formula with Vitamin E and Vitamin C helps to promote a more even skin tone and a radiant, glowing complexion. Perfect for everyday use, it leaves your skin feeling refreshed, moisturised, and luminous without the need for rinsing. 
NIVEA Micellar Water

Vitamin E for Lips:

Lip Tubes: Glowy Lips - Moisturise your lips with the moisturising power of Vitamin E, Hyaluron, and Glycerin, providing 24H moisture. Choose from Radiance Clear or Radiance Berry SPF30. The colourless formula provides 24-hour hydration*, while the Berry formula offers a subtle tint and SPF 30 protection.
Young woman using Nivea Derma Control Natural Tone Deodorant

Vitamin E in Sun Protection:

NIVEA Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF 50+: This formula with Hyaluronic Acid provides all-day hydration and high sun protection. With CITRACELL-PROTECT™ technology, the formula, containing Vitamin E and Vitamin C, helps reduce oxidative stress at the cellular level (in vitro tested). The water-resistant, fast-absorbing formula maintains hydration for up to 48 hours*, leaving skin soft and smooth without leaving a white residue. Ideal for daily use, especially for those who spend time outdoors.

*Instrumental test, 43 participants

Vitamin E in Deodorant:

Formulated for sensitive skin, the Derma Control Restore Anti-Perspirant is enriched with Vitamin E and other anti-irritation ingredients, helping to restore the skin barrier balance after shaving for smooth and healthy-looking skin.

NIVEA MEN Derma Control Sensitive Anti-Perspirant – Offers protection against irritations with Pure Hyaluron and Vitamin E, while providing gentle care. Reliable 72h anti-perspirant protection that cares for your skin

Summary

Vitamin E is an essential ingredient in skincare, offering a wide range of benefits that can help transform the appearance and health of your skin. With its anti-oxidant properties helping to protect the skin against free radicals generated by UV rays and its moisturising and soothing power, supporting skin regeneration, Vitamin E helps protect the radiance of your skin.

NIVEA’s skin care has made it easy to incorporate Vitamin E into your daily routine. With carefully formulated products like NIVEA Protect & Moisture for high-level sun protection, Derma Control Deodorant for skin-loving care, and Lip Tubes: Glowy Lips for hydrated, soft lips, NIVEA offers the perfect solutions to care for your skin

FAQs

Is Vitamin E good for sensitive skin?

Yes, Vitamin E is gentle and beneficial for most skin types, including sensitive skin. It is used as an antioxidant in formulas that help soothe the sensation of irritation, reduce redness and moisturise the skin without increasing its sensitivity. However, if you have a specific skin condition or allergy, it’s always a good idea to patch test first or consult with a dermatologist.

Can I use Vitamin E every day?

Vitamin E is safe for daily use. It can be incorporated into your morning and evening skincare routines through moisturisers, serums, or oils. Regular use will help keep your skin hydrated, nourished, and protected from daily environmental stressors.

What are the signs my skin needs Vitamin E?

If your skin feels dry, tight, or irritated, it may benefit from Vitamin E. Vitamin E can help maintain and restore moisture, help reduce redness and inflammation, and improve skin texture, making it softer and more supple. Signs of dry skin and irritation can be due to many other reasons, such as lack of hydration or skin disorders. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure or suspect you may be deficient in Vitamin E.

Does Vitamin E help with skin dryness?

Yes, Vitamin E is known for its ability to support the skin’s natural healing process, it helps moisturise dry skin. While results can vary, consistent use can help to restore dry skin

Can vitamin E be combined with SPF sun protection?

Yes, Vitamin E can be used in combination with sun protection. In fact, Vitamin E could help combat oxidative stress caused by free radicals generated by UV rays, potentially reinforcing the protective effects of the UV filters in your sunscreen.