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What Are the Benefits of Liquid Vitamin E?

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant with many helpful uses. It is particularly noted for its benefits for the skin and hair. Vitamin E, whether ingested or applied topically, protects cell membranes, keeps cells healthy, neutralizes damaging free radicals and blocks carcinogens. Vitamin E is one of the most important vitamins, thanks to its healing properties, and is often used as a supplement to promote a healthy, virile body. In its liquid form, it is usually applied topically for treatment.

  1. Significance

    • Vitamin E fights off free radical damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS), both of which can damage cells. Free radicals are also known to be one of the main causes of aging skin and cancer cells. ROS can damage all types of body cells, leading to medical conditions including heart disease and eye disorders. Thus, vitamin E is imperative in maintaining a healthy body and mind. Sources of vitamin E include dark leafy vegetables, like spinach; nuts, like almonds and cashews; and tropical fruits, like mango and kiwi. The recommended daily intake is about 15 milligrams in people over 14 years old. Vitamin E deficiency can have drastic effects on a person's immune system.

    Function

    • Vitamin E works by coating the cell membrane to prevent entrance by damaging free radicals. Vitamin E intercepts free radicals and keeps them from destroying the natural fats and lipids in the body, which are essential in maintaining healthy cell structure. Moreover, vitamin E protects the essential fatty acids, such as low-density lipoproteins, in the body from oxidation. The oxidation of low-density lipoproteins is believed to lead to heart disease and other cardiovascular ailments.

    Types

    • There are eight types of vitamin E: alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocopherol, and alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-tocotrienol. Alpha-tocopherol is the main type found in human body tissue, and it functions as an antioxidant. The other forms of vitamin E are usually metabolized by the body and, at this point, it is unknown if they serve any express function.

    Benefits: Skin

    • Liquid vitamin E is an excellent moisturizer for the skin. It can be applied topically to moisturize dry skin all over the body, and it's one of the main ingredients in body lotions and facial moisturizers. It can also be used as an anti-aging serum to smooth and reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles around the eyes, on the forehead and around the nasolabial folds (running from each side of the nose to each corner of the mouth). Liquid vitamin E is also used to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.

    Benefits: Hair

    • Liquid vitamin E nourishes thirsty hair strands and softens dry locks. A few drops rubbed between the palms and applied onto the hair adds moisture and shine. It can also be used to smooth frizzy, puffy hair. When applied to the tips of hair, liquid vitamin E can seal split ends and heal porous hair cuticles. Due to its highly moisturizing qualities, vitamin E can be found in numerous hair conditioners.

    Benefits: Lips

    • A few drops of liquid vitamin E can heal dry, cracked lips. The moisturizing effect of vitamin E smooths out cracks, softens hardened skin and soothes painful lips. Vitamin E is also a major ingredient in many moisturizing lip balms.

    Warnings

    • High doses of liquid vitamin E can have adverse effects on the human body. It can lead to excessive hemorrhaging and disrupted blood coagulation. In fact, clinical trials have shown that very high doses of vitamin E can increase the risk of death, especially in the elderly, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, there is no research as of yet indicating that liquid vitamin E is harmful when applied topically.

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