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What is vitamin E?
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Yes, it is actually a vitamin.
But if you want to get technical, the term vitamin E actually refers to a group of compounds.
(Cosmetic chemistGinger Kingexplains that means it’s technically safe for humans to ingest.)
“Topical vitamin E provides two benefits,” explainsLoretta Ciraldo, M.D., a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist.
As mentioned, vitamin Eis an antioxidant, says King.
Basically, it’s an all-around “workhorse of a vitamin,” as Dr. Shamban calls it.
Who should use vitamin E on their skin, and who should avoid it?
The ingredient is beneficial to most skin types, and has also been shown torelieve eczemafor some people.
That said, it won’t work for everyone.
It’s important to note that other ingredients might be to blame for a poor reaction.
Which form of vitamin E is the best?
For the vast majority, vitamin E can posit serious skin benefits, Dr. Shamban says.
SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic Serum
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Sunday Riley
C.E.O.
15 Vitamin C Brightening Serum
New York City-based dermatologistAnthony RossiM.D.
says that vitamin E is paired with vitamin C, they are even more effective as partners.
Rapid Flash Brightening Serum.
(Bonus: It’s pretty affordable.)
Some great options are the Youth to the People’sSuperfood Air-Whip Moisture Creamand theKiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer.
Whenlayeringon various products, remember that an oil can penetrate a cream, but not vice versa.
For Dr. Ciraldo, vitamin E oils are best saved for non-visible parts of the body.
It will glide on easily and the hydration will last all day on dry legs.
After your shower or bath, Dr. Ciraldo recommends applying a vitamin E body oil to damp skin.
Enter, theAllure Ingredient Index.
More skin-care terms to know:
Now, see how skin care has evolved within the last 100 years:
