Vitamin E Oil For The Face - Benefits, Precautions And How To Use It

Vitamin E is well known for its moisturizing and healing properties. It is very commonly used in moisturisers to treat dry and flaky skin. The emollient properties of this compound also help strengthen your skin's barrier function and keep it healthy.

Some studies have suggested that **vitamin E **can help absorb harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and protect your skin from premature aging. It can also help calm your skin after it's been exposed to sun damage.

Oxidative damage to the skin caused by free radicals (a result of environmental stressors like pollution and vehicle exhaust) causes damage to the skin's DNA, leading to accelerated aging. Vitamin E is a popular antioxidant that fights free radicals on the skin and minimizes day-to-day damage as a result.

According to Dr. Kiran Sethi , MD, Celeb Skin and Wellness Expert, Isya Aesthetics, Delhi, "Vitamin E is an emollient - meaning it moisturises. It is also effective as an antioxidant, meaning it protects against damage from external elements like pollution, etc," Actually, the term vitamin E refers to a group of oil-soluble compounds. "There are technically eight different types, but in skincare, you will usually see tocopherol which is the only form proven safe for usage," revealed Dr. Sethi. Even though vitamin E oil is quite popular with skincare enthusiasts, it is not meant for everyone. Dr. Sethi recommends, "Do not use it for acne-prone, oily or sensitive skin. It can even trigger acne and some people can be allergic to it. Even though only 1% of people have developed actual allergies to it, it is worth noting."

Due to the potent and heavy consistency of vitamin E oil, you need to be a bit careful about using it properly. Dr. Sethi recommends , "First try it out in a moisturiser to see if it suits you. I love oils for Indian skin, so you can use the oil daily on dry skin. Also in combination with vitamin C, it has extra benefits, so use a product with both these vitamins. If using the oil, do it as the last step in your skincare routine at night. If using vitamin C, use in the morning," Regardless of the product, always make sure to check that you are not sensitive to the oil. When applying the oil on its own, we recommend incorporating vitamin E oil in your skincare regimen by following these simple steps: **Step 01: **Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and let it air dry; wiping with a towel can be too harsh on your skin. Step 02: To open up your pores, wrap a hot/warm towel around your face for a few minutes. This step helps the oil soak in better. Step 03: Take a pea-sized amount of oil in your hand, warm it up in between your palms and gently dab it onto your skin. The dabbing action ensures you are gentle with your skin and the oil is delivered in concentrated amounts without being rubbed off from your palms.

As mentioned before, vitamin E oil works best when combined with vitamin C in your skincare routine. It is recommended to use vitamin E oil as the last step of your skincare routine, as it can be heavier than some moisturisers. When combining with vitamin C (or even ferulic acid), you are stabilizing the compound and improving its natural production within your skin as well. While vitamin C looks after your skin's surface, vitamin E goes to work on the deeper layers. Together, they work as an antioxidant cocktail that your skin will thank you for years to come!

1. Vitamin E does not mix well with water-based products. As such, it is highly recommended to use it on completely dry skin, or else it won't bond with your skin well.
2. Even after a recommendation by a dermatologist, vitamin E oil should always be used after doing a successful patch test. Massage a drop of vitamin E oil on the back of your hand and leave it on for 24 hours. If you notice any itchiness, dryness or redness during this time, your skin is probably too sensitive for it. If not, it can be used on your face.
3. Since vitamin E oil can be quite sticky, it is recommended to be used at night. Wait for it to dry completely before going to bed. The oil can stain your bedding; you can also lay down a towel to avoid spoiling your pillowcases.
4. Vitamin E oil can also be used in the form of sheet masks that come drenched in the essence. Make sure to gently massage your face after removing the mask to soak up any leftovers.
5. Vitamin E oil should always be applied on a squeaky clean face. Since the oil is already heavy, applying on to a dirty, or makeup-laden face can lead to clogging of pores.

**A. **One of the main reasons why vitamin E oil is not recommended for acne-prone skin is because it can clog pores. In fact, this is true for any heavy, oil-based product which can lead to your breakouts getting worse.