What is vitamin E?
Vitamin E (tocopherol) is represented by a group of structurally similar chemical substances - tocopherols and tocotrienols. Dissolves in fats. It has extremely strong antioxidant properties, which provide its positive effect on the body.
Tocopherol fights the process of lipid peroxidation, prevents the formation of free radicals and their destruction of cell membranes.
Vitamin E and its beneficial properties were discovered more than 90 years ago. Since then, the favorable attitude of doctors towards tocopherol has only intensified, because its valuable effects are truly significant and noticeable.
The golden key to rejuvenation: what to expect from tocopherol
The biologically active substance in question is famous for its action in several directions at once. In combination with other natural ingredients, this fifth element of modern cosmeceuticals will transform you in a few months, evening out the texture of your face, making your skin impeccably moisturized, smooth and toned.
So how does vitamin E help us turn back time?
- Rejuvenates, has a pronounced lifting effect
In adulthood, epidermal cells become a target for aging processes. Dryness and a feeling of tightness appear, barrier properties weaken, elasticity is lost, and the first expression lines appear. Tocopherol, penetrating into cells with cosmetics, from ampoules or capsules, promotes regeneration, resulting in a lasting anti-aging effect. It is especially noticeable where the skin is most sensitive and least protected from negative influences - in the area around the eyes. Small wrinkles are smoothed out, the relief is strengthened, folds are eliminated - the so-called lifting effect occurs.
- Tones and refreshes
How is vitamin E in cosmetics beneficial for our face and what is it used for? Tocopherol is indispensable for those who want to give their skin a boost of vigor and energy. The tonic effect of this active component becomes especially relevant when the epidermis loses its ability to retain moisture, and with it its tone. The main task of the substance in this case is to strengthen the cell membrane, improve barrier properties, restore resistance to negative environmental influences, relieve signs of fatigue, dehydration, and loss of vitality.
- Neutralizes free radicals
Antioxidants are responsible for this. They protect the epidermis from destruction and slowing down the production of collagen and elastin fibers. They also save our skin from the dangerous effects of toxins and other substances that enter our body from the environment - with air, food, water.
- Actively moisturizes
Have you noticed how often our skin lacks water? Its deficiency manifests itself in the form of a feeling of dryness and tightness, excessive sensitivity, and the appearance of flaky areas. Another effect of vitamin E is intense hydration and nutrition, preserving moisture in the cells of the epidermis.
- Soothes and heals
Tocopherol not only evens out the relief, restores youth and elasticity. It helps prevent the development of cancer, relieves itching and irritation due to allergies, strengthens the membrane of red blood cells, protecting them from premature destruction.
This complex effect on the skin allows it to be used in a variety of moisturizing, nourishing and anti-aging cosmetics - with the right combination of active ingredients, they will help achieve excellent results within a few weeks of use.
Regular use of masks, creams and serums based on tocopherol is the key to youth and beauty. However, we should not forget that in its pure form this pharmaceutical drug requires careful handling and compliance with the recommendations of cosmetologists.
Increased need for vitamin E
A sharp increase in the need for the vitamin occurs in pregnant women. Moreover, gynecologists recommend that expectant mothers take additional vitamin E throughout pregnancy, as well as until the end of breastfeeding.
Increased consumption of tocopherol is required during intense physical activity, sports, after the age of 40, when living in environmentally unfavorable areas, and when exposed to stress.
Women are also required to take this vitamin when approaching and after menopause. It is also recommended for teenage girls when their menstrual cycle begins.
How to use vitamin E capsules for facial skin
Let's start with the fact that this is a drug that needs to be taken in a course. It must be prescribed by a doctor - only a specialist can determine the required dosage. It varies depending on the reasons for which you had to purchase tocopherol in soft gelatin capsules.
It may be prescribed for the following conditions:
- if your menstrual cycle is disrupted;
- during pregnancy - if there is a threat of miscarriage;
- for some endocrine diseases;
- with severe exhaustion of the body and vegetative disorders;
- with excessive consumption of retinol and calciferol.
This is not a complete list of indications for the use of tocopherol. My goal is to show you how different the reasons for using an active substance can be, and with them the characteristics of use. All this suggests that the safest option is to take the product after prior consultation with a specialist or purchase professional cosmetics.
Is it possible to use vitamin E in capsules for facial skin at home and how to use it: rub it in pure form, add it to masks, or drink it like tablets? If, after consulting with a doctor, you have been prescribed this remedy, indicating the permissible dosage, you can use tocopherol externally. To do this you need:
- Pierce the gelatin shell.
- Apply the oily content locally, spreading it with your fingers until completely absorbed.
How to add vitamin E in oil to face cream and then use it at home? 3-4 drops per 20 ml are enough.
Attention: the recommended dosage cannot be increased! If you squeeze more than one capsule into the base, you can get severe swelling and irritation of the skin. If you doubt the positive effect of masks and creams made yourself, purchase professional cosmetics - they will help preserve your beauty without negative consequences.
Some use tocopherol in combination with glycerin, another substance that retains moisture in the epidermal cells. I immediately warn you that these products should be combined only in a certain dosage. Otherwise, the composition may have the exact opposite effect. In addition, when preparing masks, it is important to observe the following conditions:
- Dry air in the room where the procedure is performed.
- Adding components one by one.
- Apply a thin layer to the face.
Here is one of the recipes with vitamin E (10 capsules) and glycerin (25-30 ml) for perfectly moisturized facial skin: the components are mixed, then oils (rose, lavender, tea tree) are added. The resulting composition is applied for 30 minutes, after which its remains are carefully removed with a damp cloth.
This recipe may be suitable, or it may cause irritation - it all depends on how the epidermis reacts to the components of the mask, and whether you have gone too far with the dosage. In addition, when working with glycerin in the wrong conditions (excessively humid air), you can cause the skin to dry out.
The best option is to use laboratory-tested drugs that contain active substances in the required proportion and do not lead to irritation. Don't experiment if you feel unsure of the results.
Absorption of vitamin E from food
Like vitamin D, tocopherol is best absorbed in the presence of bile acids and fats. If you eat plant foods, for example, a salad of fresh vegetables, do not forget to season it with vegetable oil. Also use spices, they increase the release of pancreatic juice and bile, which improves digestion and absorption of the vitamin.
Vitamin C protects vitamin E from oxidation and potentiates its effects, so along with sources of tocopherol, it is useful to eat foods containing ascorbic acid. Eat more fruits and vegetables, they contain both vitamins.
Why clay
Blackheads, white or black, inflamed pimples are the result of clogged pores and increased secretion of the sebaceous glands located on the face. The therapeutic mask for combination skin includes two types of clay: red and blue. Why? Both options contain potassium, a lot of iron and calcium, some silver and cobalt. Minerals are absorbed into the skin during the procedure and solve several problems at once:
- soothe irritation and inflammatory processes;
- restore the elasticity of the epithelium, helping to smooth out most fine wrinkles;
- slightly lighten freckles and age spots;
- normalize the secretion of the sebaceous glands, preventing clogging of pores and the appearance of new acne;
- relieve itching and allergic redness;
- activate epithelial regeneration, promoting wound healing and scar resorption.
A mixture of red and blue clay is useful for girls with dull, tired or aging skin and enlarged pores. The mask disinfects and absorbs toxins, helping you stay young and blooming longer.
Biological role of vitamin E
The functions of vitamin E in the body are very significant. The biological role of tocopherol is as follows:
- Due to its antioxidant effect, it increases the overall level of health and resists diseases
- Improves skin condition, timely renewal of its components
- Has a rejuvenating effect
- Protects blood vessels from atherosclerosis, slows down the development of cardiovascular diseases
- Improves the production of sex hormones, increases the likelihood of pregnancy, and fights infertility. Because of this, vitamin E is also recommended for use by men and women when planning a child, as well as for diseases of the gonads.
- Normalizes blood clotting
- Accelerates the healing of damaged tissues
- Enhances the effects of vitamin A and selenium.
B vitamins for beautiful skin and hair –
Research published in 2003 by the Academy of Dermatology showed that the use of B vitamins in creams and serums for facial skin significantly reduces the effects of aging and fading of facial skin (research - Chung JH, Hanft VN, et al. “Aging and photoaging. " J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003 Oct;49(4):690-7").
The most important B vitamins for the skin...
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a very important vitamin for maintaining the condition of skin, nails and hair. Its deficiency leads to dry skin, cracks in the corners of the mouth, early skin aging, as well as dry and brittle hair and nails.
- Vitamin B3 (niacin) – improves the ability of the upper layer of the epidermis to retain moisture.
It helps dry skin look softer, smoother, and reduce fine lines on the face. Also used with other skin whitening products for pigmentation. Using B3 together with vitamin A (retinoids) gives even better results in the fight against wrinkles. But a lack of B3 leads to dry skin, a lack of nutrition to the hair follicles, and as a result leads to increased fragility and split ends of the hair.
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) – helps fight acne by reducing sebum production. Vitamin B5 also promotes faster regeneration of skin cells, but this effect is especially pronounced when vitamins B5 and C are combined.
- Biotin (vitamin B7) – is involved in the synthesis of collagen fibers, which form the basis of skin, nails, and hair. Its deficiency can lead to dry and itchy skin, dermatitis, hair loss, and seborrhea of the scalp.
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) – helps regulate skin pigment production and prevents hyperpigmentation.
Below we have provided examples of quality and trustworthy creams and serums with B vitamins...
Serum InstaNatural® “Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Serum”
Vitamin B3 serum (Fig. 14) from InstaNatural contains: 5% vitamin B3, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, aloe Vera, avocado oil, rosemary oil and other active ingredients. The soft gel-like texture of the serum is easy to apply and quickly absorbed.
According to reviews, this serum -
- reduces the appearance of acne,
- tightens the pores on the face,
- reduces the depth of fine lines and wrinkles,
- whitens age spots and age spots,
- perfectly moisturizes the skin,
- makes the skin firm, elastic and soft.
Reviews from patients noted that after using this serum, the skin actually became more hydrated, elastic and smooth, many noted a decrease in the appearance of fine wrinkles due to the evenness of skin texture and tone. The cost of InstaNatural Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Serum is about 1,600 rubles (per 60 ml package).
SkinCeuticals® Hydrating B5 gel –
Super moisturizing and regenerating gel “Hydrating B5 gel” from SkinCeuticals (Fig. 15) - contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid enriched with vitamin B5. The manufacturer claims that this serum perfectly moisturizes the skin, activates cell regeneration, eliminates the feeling of tightness, and also makes the skin elastic and dense. The price of SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 gel will be from 4,700 rubles per 30 ml bottle. You can buy it in the company's Russian online store.
Before applying the serum, it is recommended to warm it up on your fingertips so that it is better and faster absorbed into the skin. Reviews noted that after using this serum, the skin became softer, wrinkles decreased with prolonged use, the overall appearance of the skin improved, the skin became radiant and moisturized.
By the way, this product has an exact copy from, which is called “Hydra B5 Gel – advanced formula” (Fig. 16). Despite the fact that this is a “generic”, the company that produces it is quite well-known and of high quality. The cost of this product will be approximately 2,200 rubles ($32), but you can only buy it in online stores such as Amazon or Ebay.
Olay Total Effects 7-In-1 Cream –
Olay “Total Effects 7 in 1” cream (Fig. 17) - contains a large number of emollient ingredients, such as coconut oil, soybean oil, vitamin B5, hydrolyzed wheat protein, ascorbyl palmitate, green tea, vitamin B3. This cream is an excellent facial moisturizer that can be safely used every day. There is a day and night version of the cream.
Reviews noted the good absorption of the cream and excellent skin hydration after use. The skin became soft, elastic, silky. The cost of Olay Total Effects 7 in 1 is about 700 rubles.
Signs of vitamin E deficiency
Often people are not even aware of the need for additional vitamin E use, attributing signs of its deficiency to some third-party reasons. Meanwhile, the symptoms of tocopherol deficiency can be quite serious. These include:
- Menstruation disorders in women, decreased potency in men
- Infertility, spontaneous miscarriages
- Anemia
- Pale and yellow skin
- Increased incidence of colds
- Liver disorders
- Weakness, etc.
Step-by-step preparation of the mask
You will need a clean small container. For example, a jar of old face cream. Rinse the container with water and detergent to remove any remaining cosmetics. If the container is plastic, you cannot pour hot water into it, otherwise the material will begin to release toxins and harmful chemical elements. If you use liquid at room temperature there will be no problems.
First, pour clay into a jar, measure out approximately a teaspoon each of the blue and red varieties. This amount is enough for one-time use, because you cannot store leftover masks. The cosmetic product loses its beneficial properties and only dries out the skin.
Add 8 drops of tocopherol to the dry powder.
Add the same amount of vitamin A.
Combine with three drops of ylang-ylang essential oil and add warm water.
Thoroughly mix the clay with additives to obtain a homogeneous grayish-reddish mass. The consistency of the mask should resemble thick sour cream so that it does not spread over the face, but lies in a thin layer.
Signs of excess vitamin E
When regularly taking vitamin E preparations in dosages of 800 IU and above, no symptoms initially arise - in the body, excess tocopherol is simply deposited in adipose tissue, and its excess is also excreted in bile.
However, further deterioration in health is possible: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. An increase in blood pressure, an increase in the level of harmful lipids in the blood and an acceleration in the development of atherosclerosis are likely.
In case of poisoning with a single ultra-high dose of the vitamin, liver function is impaired, kidney failure and other serious consequences may develop.
Mistake #3. Don't know what vitamin D to take
Cholecalciferol
- an inactive form of vitamin D, it is what is needed to correct its deficiency so that all body systems work properly and you feel good.
The drug cholecalciferol is safe - the likelihood of overdose is low. But there is another, active form of vitamin D - calcitriol
. It can only be taken under the supervision of a physician and for medical reasons.
Mistake #4. Taking vitamin D does not always mean normalizing its levels
Vitamin D is poorly absorbed in the following situations:
- Problems with the gallbladder (or rather, with bile outflow) - vitamin D is fat soluble, and bile is necessary for the absorption of fats.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases and microflora disorders.
- Excess weight
- D-hormone is deposited in adipose tissue, so obese patients need to take vitamin D in larger doses. - Genetic abnormalities - there are no receptors sensitive to vitamin D.
Application and care
The first stage is washing with a soft gel. Next, it is advisable to remove dead epithelial particles using a scrub. A store-bought version or homemade version will do. After drying your face with a towel, apply a clay mask on it. Avoid touching the skin under the eyes and around the mouth. Sit for 10 to 20 minutes until the clay begins to harden. The mask should lighten, then the product can be washed off with warm water.
It is not necessary to apply cream, because thanks to oil-based vitamins, the skin will become soft and moisturized. If the clay is too dry, you can use a light day or night emulsion or gel.
Repeat the procedure 2-3 times a week. Less often in winter, because the skin already dries out due to low temperatures and cold winds. It is necessary to take breaks to prevent the epithelium from getting used to it, or use other options for clay masks.
