All you need to know about vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, like vitamins A, D and K. It is made up of a family of 8 organic molecules, 4 tocopherols and 4tocotrienols. Alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active form of vitamin E and is best absorbed and stored by humans. With its natural antioxidant action, vitamin E is often referred to as tocopherol, whether it is in the form of a vitamin E food supplement or a cosmetic vitamin E oil

Where can I find vitamin E? Vegetable oils are the main source of vitamin E in our diet. Choose from sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, hazelnut oil, olive oil or wheat germ oil, etc. Add these vitamin E-rich carrier oils to your raw vegetable salads, cooked vegetables and fish. Also, remember to alternate between carrier oils to benefit from their different essential fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3) and stay in good health.

Oilseeds (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pine nuts and Brazil nuts), oily fish, green leafy vegetables (spinach and cabbage), broccoli, sweet potatoes and egg yolks are also important sources of vitamin E to include in your diet.

A powerful antioxidant and free radical scavenger, vitamin E protects cells from the damaging effects of free radicals, also known as Reactive Oxygen Forms. Free radicals are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost an electron and are, therefore, unstable. These unstable molecules will try to capture or give up an electron to another nearby molecule, spreading the phenomenon. When this chain reaction occurs in the body, it is known as oxidative stress. To combat oxidative stress, our bodies produce natural antioxidants, enzymes and vitamins. Our diet is also a source of antioxidants. This oxidative stress is implicated in the ageing of tissues, including the skin, and in numerous conditions (cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, etc.). Alpha-tocopherol acts against this oxidative stress.

A simple way to incorporate vitamin E into your skincare routine is to opt for a carrier oil that is rich in it. These can be used as a day and/or night treatment. Massage a few drops of one of the oils listed below onto your face and neck. Each of these carrier oils is rich in vitamin E, which helps to prevent the skin's ageing process, promote elasticity and radiance, and prevent wrinkles.

An antioxidant, vitamin E enhances hair by preserving the hydration of hair fibres. It also promotes subcutaneous microcirculation in the scalp, providing better oxygenation for the hair bulbs. Vitamin E can, therefore, be a useful part of a routine to promote hair growth and combat hair loss.

Vitamin E can be added as an active ingredient to your hair care oils at a level of 0.1% to 0.5% of the total weight of your mixture.

If you have a normal diet and healthy lifestyle, your risk of vitamin E deficiency is extremely low. The people most prone to vitamin E deficiency are smokers, the elderly and those who eat very little fat.

Premature babies can be prone to vitamin E deficiency because only a small amount of vitamin E crosses the placenta. However, children and adults are not prone to a vitamin E deficiency, except if they are malnourished. In adults, large quantities of vitamin E can be stored in adipose tissue, so the risk of deficiency is low.

First of all, vitamin E deficiency is extremely rare.

Vitamin E deficiency can lead to a form of severe anaemia and rupture red blood cells, particularly in premature infants with vitamin E deficiency.

In children, vitamin E deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, walking difficulties and coordination problems.

In adults, certain fat malabsorption disorders or the use of certain medications can lead to vitamin E deficiency. However, these risks of complications rarely develop, as large quantities of vitamin E can be stored in our adipose tissue.

Most food supplements come in the form of D-Alpha tocopherol capsules in a carrier oil. This is because fat-soluble vitamin E is better assimilated when taken with vegetable fats.

Always seek medical advice before starting vitamin E supplementation.

Vitamin E is one of the best-known natural preservatives used in home cosmetics to protect oils from going rancid (oxidation). It is an ideal natural preservative for your oily blends, oily serums, facial care oils and hair oils, etc. This natural antioxidant can easily be added to your oil-based formulas at the end of the preparation process. Vitamin E also helps extend the shelf life of carrier oils that are sensitive to rancidity.

Dosage as a natural preservative in your DIY cosmetics recipes: 0.02% to 0.2% of the total weight of your mixture.

This natural vitamin E preservative is ideal for protecting your oils, balms, creams, sticks and lotions from oxidation. Note that this preservative is insoluble in water and will not be suitable for your gel or lotion recipes.