Vitamin E to Enhance Skin Elasticity

Did you know that your skin is the largest organ within your body, and its primary responsibility is to protect your body from outside elements as well as connecting you with the world? Over time, the top layer of your skin begins to thin, which results in a reduction of elasticity. While the current beauty and skincare market is full of products that claim they can enhance your beauty and "turn back time," many of these claims are nothing more than advertising hype.

Proponents of vitamin E proclaim this vitamin can help restore the elasticity of your skin while also enhancing the overall beauty of this organ. While there are studies currently underway to determine the truth behind this statement, upon publication scientific data is not available to fully support the effectiveness of vitamin E for skin elasticity repair.

What is Vitamin E?

Vitamin E is one of the most potent antioxidant vitamins currently known by scientists, and this fat-soluble vitamin is available in eight forms; however, the research has found that alpha-tocopherol is the most potent form of this vitamin within the human body.

The primary role of vitamin E is to protect your body's cells from ROS, or reactive oxygen species. ROS is a naturally occurring phenomenon that occurs when your body converts food into energy. While this is natural process, it can disturb the functionality and health of bodily cells.

You may consume vitamin E through supplements as well as with dietary sources , and if you have excess vitamin E, any unused portions are stored within your liver and then released as your body needs it. It is suggested by the Office of Dietary Supplements that you should consume a total of 15 mg of vitamin E per day.

Vitamin E and Skin Elasticity:

According to beauty expert Diane Irons, vitamin E antioxidants are able to enhance natural collagen production. This enhanced production of collagen helps to increase skin elasticity as well as reducing the visibility of scars and stretch marks. While natural health proponents claim that vitamin E can dramatically enhance the appearance of your skin, modern scientific studies have not found that the topical application of vitamin E enhances skin elasticity and appearance.

References Used:

http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/health-and-human-body/human-body/skin-article/

National Geographic: Skin

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitamine/

Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E

http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/fw04/allaboute.html

Linus Pauling Institute: All About E