The Skincare Benefits of Vitamin E

Vitamin E is one of the most powerful antioxidants our body uses to fight free radicals, yet is something that we don't naturally produce. Instead, we introduce it into our bodies through diet and the skincare products we use. With a balanced diet and conscious skincare choices you can receive the recommended amounts of Vitamin E  (see what the Mayo Clinic recommends) without too much thought and planning, but it is still important to know about this age-fighting, skin-saving ingredient.

Relatively new to skincare world, Vitamin E was discovered in 1928 and saw its first success in 1938 when it was put to its first use as a therapeutic agent to help aid in the growth of premature babies. After a decade of research, Vitamin E's many biological functions were established, including boosting immune health, reducing cholesterol, and reducing the risk of developing cancer – though it is best known to us for its impressive antioxidant functions.

Antioxidants are essential players in the fight against the signs of aging. They help neutralize free radicals, which cause wrinkles, dark spots, and, in severe cases, cancer (to learn more about antioxidants and free radicals, click here). There are many different types of antioxidants. Vitamin C, for example is particularly powerful against free radicals caused by pollution and cigarette smoke. Vitamin E, on the other hand, is a primary defender against oxidation. Studies show that when topically applied, Vitamin E can reduce UV-induced skin damage.

Vitamin E is available in several forms – some natural and others synthetically produced – but the form used in Sally B’s products is derived from non-GMO soybeans. Through a vacuum distillation process, a thick, caramel colored oil is extracted, which we use in many of our products, like Tinted Moisturizer,  B Glossy Lip Gloss, Tamanu Neem Healing Bar, and Carrot Facial Dream Cream. Along with its antioxidant properties, Vitamin E is an efficient product stabilizer and keeps the oils in our products from turning rancid. In the non-toxic product world, ingredients like this are essential because we don't use chemical preservatives.

Keeping Vitamin E a regular part of your lifestyle, through both food (think almonds, spinach, and sunflower seeds) and skin care choices, is an important element in your clear and healthy skin journey. While there are plenty of antioxidants to help repair free radical damage, Vitamin E helps you take a more proactive role and helps to keep free radicals from forming in the first place.

To learn more about Vitamin E and to discover the Sally B’s products that use Vitamin E, click here.