Renowned for its antioxidant , anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties, tocopherol is now a star ingredient in anti-aging cosmetics and dietary supplements. But what are the real benefits of vitamin E for your skin? Can we truly rely on alpha-tocopherol to slow down skin aging ? Nooance-Paris explains how vitamin E works on your face to prevent the appearance of signs of aging, and what criteria to look for in a cosmetic product that preserves your skin's youthfulness and radiance.
The 3 key benefits of Vitamin E for the face
Vitamin E: proven benefits for your skin |
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It neutralizes free radicals responsible for premature aging. Skin cells are thus more resistant to damage caused by pollution, sun or stress. |
Vitamin E strengthens the hydrolipidic film, reduces water loss and soothes the epidermis. It is an excellent active ingredient for dry, mature and dehydrated skin. |
By limiting oxidative stress, it helps to reduce UV-induced damage. Vitamin E absorbs energy from UVB rays. But it remains essential to apply SPF. |
How does Vitamin E work to truly protect your skin?
Oxidative stress and free radicals: the number one enemy of your youth
Every day, our skin is exposed to external aggressors such as pollution, sun, tobacco, and stress. These factors lead to the formation of free radicals , which are responsible for photoaging and skin degradation.
This phenomenon is comparable to skin rust : cells deteriorate more quickly, the skin loses firmness, and collagen production decreases. This is what causes wrinkles, a dull complexion, and sagging skin over the years.
By fighting oxidative stress , vitamin E helps to slow down skin aging and reduce the visible signs of aging.
The role of Tocopherol: a natural shield against skin aging
Vitamin E, also known as tocopherol (or tocopheryl acetate in cosmetics), acts as a powerful antioxidant. It neutralizes free radicals before they can attack your cells. It thus prevents lipid peroxidation , a process that weakens cell membranes and accelerates skin aging.
Vitamin E, when applied in facial care, helps maintain elasticity and firmness . It also enhances natural hydration by strengthening the skin barrier.
Topical application or diet: which should we choose?
Although a diet rich in vitamin E and topical application (treatments applied directly to the face) are two very complementary approaches, they do not have the same effects.
Can vitamin E supplementation help achieve beautiful skin?
Foods rich in vitamin E play a major role in protecting the body against oxidative stress, supporting the immune system, and contributing to healthy cardiovascular function. As a supplement, vitamin E helps maintain healthy skin (collagen production, hydration, antioxidant protection), but the results are more gradual because supplements act on the entire body as a holistic support , and not just on protecting skin cells.
The benefits of vitamin E in topical care: direct and targeted action
Cosmetic products enriched with tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate act locally and immediately on the upper layers of the skin. This topical application delivers a concentrated dose of antioxidants directly where the skin needs them most: the face, an area highly exposed to external aggressors (UV rays, pollution).
The criteria for an effective antioxidant treatment: what to check on the label
Tocopherol vs. Tocopheryl Acetate: what's the difference?
You will find vitamin E under two names: tocopherol or tocopheryl acetate.
- Tocopherol is a pure form of vitamin E, a naturally occurring ingredient, and the most active, but this is also what makes it more fragile. It oxidizes rapidly upon contact with air or light, which reduces its shelf life.
- Tocopheryl acetate is a stabilized form of vitamin E: it uses pure tocopherol and is frequently used in serums and lotions due to its superior stability over time. However, the formulation must be of high quality to deliver truly effective results.
What concentration is needed for visible results?
For optimal use in cosmetology, it is recommended to choose a vitamin E concentration between 0.5 and 1% .
Highly concentrated formulas have no aesthetic value: the ideal is therefore to choose a well-formulated product, often combined with other antioxidants such as vitamin C, for complete and lasting protection.
How to combine vitamin E?
- The combination of vitamins C and E offers powerful antioxidant protection: vitamin C is water-soluble (it acts in the aqueous phase of cells), while vitamin E is fat-soluble (it protects lipid-rich cell membranes). Together, they provide comprehensive protection against free radicals responsible for photoaging. (Link to future article on vitamin C)
- Another antioxidant, ferulic acid, enhances the effectiveness of vitamin E: together, they protect the skin against UV damage and prevent the appearance of signs of aging (wrinkles, age spots, sagging skin). Link to future article on ferulic acid
How to incorporate Vitamin E into your Nooance skincare routine?
In the morning: a moisturizing cream with vitamin E to protect the skin from external aggressors
Thanks to its antioxidant properties, tocopherol acts as a protective shield on your face: pollution, fatigue, sun or climate are all factors that can damage your skin during the day.
A day cream like the Intense Radiance Cream helps you better combat oxidative stress. Always apply sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum) in addition to your usual skincare routine.
In the evening: an intense and targeted treatment to repair the skin and act in depth
To soothe your face at the end of the day and restore a radiant complexion, apply a regenerating treatment like the Radiance+ Serum Mist before your Nooance LED Mask . Vitamin E can be combined with other powerful active ingredients like retinol : its soothing action facilitates the absorption of the active ingredient and enhances the before-and-after results of retinol .
Finally, for targeted action on dark circles and puffiness, use a daily eye contour treatment based on vitamin E: Nooance's Youthful Airy Eye Balm reduces wrinkles around the eyes and effectively combats signs of fatigue, dark circles and puffiness.
Vitamin E: benefits multiplied tenfold thanks to photobiomodulation
Beauty Tech anti-aging treatments are excellent allies in the fight against skin aging and for restoring beautiful skin. Devices like the LED facial mask integrate seamlessly into a facial beauty routine and allow you to achieve beneficial effects more quickly than with cosmetic products alone.
By applying an antioxidant treatment with vitamin E before an LED light therapy session, the skin is better prepared to fight against oxidative stress and the results are visible after just a few sessions.
Is tocopherol suitable for all skin types?
Dry and sensitive skin
Vitamin E is an excellent soothing and repairing active ingredient, especially for reactive skin. It helps strengthen the skin barrier while preventing tightness. It has very interesting anti-inflammatory properties for sensitive skin, particularly when combined with hyaluronic acid.
Oily skin
Avoid applying pure vitamin E in oil form, as it can be comedogenic on blemish-prone skin. Opt instead for serum or cream formulas designed to suit all skin types, combined with purifying ingredients such as salicylic acid or aloe vera.
Mature skin
The antioxidant benefits of vitamin E, along with its preventative effects on aging, make it a prized cosmetic ingredient in anti-aging skincare to combat wrinkles and fine lines. Regular daily use is essential to see results in skin quality and beauty.
Sources for the article:
- “The role of vitamin E as an antioxidant and preventing damage caused by free radicals”: https://journals.lww.com/lsar/fulltext/2023/07000/the_role_of_vitamin_e_as_an_antioxidant_and.4.aspx
- “UV photoprotection by combination topical antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E”: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12789176/
- “The role of vitamin E in normal and damaged skin”: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7633944/
- “Clinical evaluation of photoprotective effect by a topical antioxidants combination (tocopherols and tocotrienols)”: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21917024/
- “Tocopherol more bioavailable than tocopheryl-acetate as a source of vitamin E for broilers”: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35613141/
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