Vitamin E Protects Against UV Damage
Can antioxidants in your skin cream really prevent sun damage and wrinkles, or is it all just marketing hype? Well, we’ve known for quite a while that antioxidants, particularly vitamin E, can improve skin health and appearance when taken orally. And now, exciting new research shows that topically applied vitamin E can protect skin at the surface from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays.
A scientific review done by researchers at Boston University Medical Center examined the basic mechanisms of how vitamin E works on the skin. They concluded that vitamin E used topically and consumed orally can help protect the skin from tumors and act as a barrier against sun damage. (Thiele JJ, Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage S. Mol Aspects Med. 2007 Oct-Dec;28(5-6):646-67.)
The second study, done at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York, found that a high concentration of the non-esterified vitamin E inhibits UV damage, sunburn, tanning and the development of skin cancer. There is also evidence that topically applied vitamin E can help repair previous damage to the skin’s surface. (Burke KE. Dermatol Ther. 2007 Sep-Oct;20(5):314-21.)
The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Sure, you’re arming your skin with antioxidants by supplementing your diet, but to ensure that you look as young as you feel, enhance your anti-aging approach to skin care with an antioxidant-rich moisturizer.
QUICK TIP: To get the most our of your skin cream, make sure that you are using products that contain the right kind of vitamin E. Learn More
Written exclusively for Stop Aging Now, the authority on anti-aging research, anti-aging nutrition, and anti-aging supplements.
