Vitamin E is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants and this, combined with its natural origin, this substance has made popular ingredient of cosmetics. Its popularity is so great that the packages more than half of the modern cosmetic products indicated that they contain some form of vitamin E. In fact, it is effective against free radicals and have other useful properties, for which products of vitamin E in cosmetics should buy. However, it can also cause side effects - this is quite rare, but those who deal with them, it's hardly consolation.
general information
The term "vitamin E" is used to designate a group of fat-soluble chemical compounds found in the skin and in many food products, for example - in margarine, vegetables, green and yellow, nuts, meat, corn, vegetable oils and some dairy products. The group of substances called vitamin E are four types of tocopherols (alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta) and four types of tocotrienols, with the same prefixes. These substances can be both natural and man-made - the latter contains, for example, in food additives
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. To designate synthetic forms of vitamin E prefix D (e.g., D-alpha-tocopherol, - one of the varieties of synthetic vitamin E, which is most often included in the composition of dietary supplements). Natural vitamin E is denoted by the prefix DL (e.g., DL-alpha-tocopherol). Both types of vitamin E is very good for human health, but the natural vitamin E is absorbed a little bit better.
The antioxidant properties of vitamin E
Vitamin E has strong antioxidant properties, and this is the main reason why it is widely used in the production of cosmetics. The free radicals produced under the influence of many factors, including metabolism, air pollution, and ultraviolet radiation are atoms or molecules that have one or more unpaired electrons. They are actively looking for "a couple" of these electrons, and reach their goals, taking the missing electron from another molecule, turning it into a free radical, which will also search for an electron. The result is a chain reaction, which over time can lead to premature aging of the skin
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and more serious problems, such as malignant diseases.
Although vitamin E is normally found in skin cells exposed to UV light, and just as a result of age-related changes of the substance in the skin becoming less and need to replenish dwindling stocks. This function can take on not only healthy food
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But also cosmetics containing vitamin E.
If ingestion is most useful alpha-tocopherol (of all forms of Vitamin E body can absorb only his), that are suitable for outdoor use any form of vitamin E. Laboratory studies have shown that the most effective tocotrienols are struggling with aging, but these were experiments conducted Only in animals.
In addition to the antioxidant, vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties. It eliminates irritation and redness of the skin, helping it to stay longer young and healthy.
Protection from exposure to sunlight
Vitamin E provides the skin with some protection from sunlight. Studies have shown that the application of tocopherol on the skin of animals to protect them from damage that may cause the ultraviolet rays. Vitamin E also reduces the risk of severe sunburn, and even improves ingredients in sunscreen composition - for example, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Especially well it protects the skin of the sun cosmetics, which include those with vitamin E is vitamin C. But we should not abandon the conventional sunscreen lotions, and rely on simple creams containing Vitamin E. It reduces the likelihood of skin lesions related to exposure to sunlight but it does not function as a sunscreen filter.
Moisturizing properties of vitamin E
Vitamin E (especially alpha-tocopherol) is an excellent moisturizer. It strengthens the natural lipid barrier of the skin, preventing moisture loss, and increasing the amount of water in the cells. As a result, the skin is well hydrated for many hours, and gradually becomes more smooth and soft.
Vitamin E as a preservative
As part of a variety of cosmetics - especially organic, vitamin E often plays a role not only antioxidant
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and moisturizing ingredient and preservative. The fact that it protects from the sun not only the skin, but also the active ingredients of cosmetics which the light can quickly deteriorate. Therefore, vitamin E increases the shelf-life of cosmetics, particularly if it is contained in the blister packs. If vitamin E is listed at the end of the list of ingredients of cosmetic products, it means that it is included in its composition is as a preservative and not moisturizing ingredient.
Vitamin E and scar treatment
Many ointments designed to eliminate scars, contain vitamin E - is that it helps make them much less noticeable, or even completely get rid of them. Unfortunately, the results of research that does not confirm or even indicate the opposite. One recent study showed that topical application of vitamin E after surgery may badly affect the appearance of scars. Experts do not recommend the use of vitamin E for the acceleration of skin repair after surgery, since it can promote the formation of excess scar tissue. In this case it will be possible to reduce scarring only with special cosmetic procedures.
Side effects of vitamin E
When applied to skin vitamin E may cause an allergic reaction, contact dermatitis and urticaria. If you suspect that cosmetics with vitamin E have caused a negative reaction, stop using it. You can consult your doctor to find out the exact causes of skin irritation or allergy. Most people, however, use, creams, lotions and other cosmetics with Vitamin E without any adverse health effects.