Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant. It has been in use for over 5 decades in the field of dermatology. It is commonly used in many cosmetic products. It acts as a free-radical scavenger and protects the skin from damage.¹

Vitamin E can be used as a therapeutic modality in several dermatological conditions. It can also be used for dry skin.¹ Vitamin E has the potential to improve the immune macrophage-mediated response, reduce the production and/or release of prostaglandins, and decrease the serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in atopic individuals. A single-blind study in 96 subjects with atopic dermatitis revealed that 23 of the 50 subjects treated with vitamin E showed great improvement, while almost complete remission of atopic dermatitis was noted in seven of the 50 subjects. Slight improvement was observed in 10 subjects. Females showed less progression of atopic dermatitis than males and a higher percentage of almost complete remission. Subjects with great improvement and near remission of atopic dermatitis in the vitamin E group showed a decrease of 62% in serum IgE levels. There was marked improvement in facial erythema, lichenification, and the presence of apparently normal skin was reported.²

Topical vitamin E is commonly used as treatment for a number of skin disorders. It is often used in the treatment of burns, surgical scars, and wounds.¹ When applied topically, vitamin E deactives unstable free radicals and protects the skin from deleterious effects of external toxic influences such as pollulants, chemicals and sun rays, preventing the propagation of free-radicals.³

Vitamin E has antitumorigenic, photoprotective, and skin barrier stabilizing properties. A significant improvement has been noted in chloasma and pigmented contact dermatitis lesions with the use of topical vitamins E and C.⁴ Vitamin E is the key physiological barrier antioxidant in human skin. The skin barrier and the upper dermis lack antioxidant protection. On solar UV-exposure, these sites show marked oxidative protein damage. Antioxidant supplementation with vitamin E as well as synergistically active coantioxidants, such as vitamin C, thus seems to enhance the photoprotective strategies of sunscreens.⁴ Treatment of the skin with vitamin E oil is beneficial in conditions such as xerosis, hyperkeratosis, asteatotic eczema, atopic dermatitis, superficial burns, cutaneous ulcers, and onychoschizia. Topical vitamin E oil can also ameliorate pruritus or pain associated with different diseases.⁵ A study assessed the impact of vitamin E on stratum corneum hydration. Vitamin E increased the stratum corneum hydration statistically significantly and there was evidence of an enhanced water-binding capacity after treatment with vitamin E.⁶ Another study revealed that skin-hydrating effect of calcium ascorbate was higher than that of vitamin C and lower than that of tocopherol (vitamin E).⁷

Topical vitamin E is therefore a potential agent in several skin disorders including those associated with dry skin and pruritus. Additionally, vitamin E containing products can safely be used in pregnancy. There is no published report of adverse fetal effects due to use of topical vitamin products.¹

References

1. Keen MA, Hassan I. Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2016 Jul-Aug; 7(4): 311–315.
2. Tsoureli-Nikita E, Hercogova J, Lotti T, Menchini G. Evaluation of dietary intake of vitamin E in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: a study of the clinical course and evaluation of the immunoglobulin E serum levels. Int J Dermatol. 2002 Mar;41(3):146-50.
3. Cassano R. Vitamin E chemistry, biological activity and benefits on the skin. In: Preedy V.R. (eds) Handbook of diet, nutrition and the skin. Human Health Handbooks no. 1, vol 2. Wageningen Academic Publishers; 2012.
4. Thiele JJ, Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage S. Vitamin E in human skin: Organ-specific physiology and considerations for its use in dermatology. Molecular Aspects of Medicine 2007;28(5–6):646-67.
5. Panin G, Strumia R, Ursini F. Topical -Tocopherol Acetate in the Bulk Phase - Eight Years of Experience in Skin Treatment. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2004;1031:443–7.
6. Gehring W, Fluhr J, Gloor M. Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration. Arzneimittelforschung. 1998 Jul;48(7):772-5.
7. Gönüllü U, Sensoy D, Uner M, et al. Comparing the moisturizing effects of ascorbic acid and calcium ascorbate against that of tocopherol in emulsions. J Cosmet Sci. 2006 Nov-Dec;57(6):465-73.