Vitamin E is essential for our growth and survival. However, the human body does not make this vitamin.
Vitamin E has been shown to stabilize membranes by physiochemical interaction between its phytol side chain and the fatty acid chain of polyunsaturated phospholipids. It inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins and prevents platelet aggregation in vitro and in vivo. There are some data which show that vitamin E reduces the synthesis of thromboxane and increases the formation of prostacyclin. Thromboxane is considered the most potent platelet aggregating factor. Vitamin E will also help to maintain the connective tissues of collagen and elastin.
Vitamin E is considered to be the most important antioxidant and free radical scavenger. This antioxidation mechanism of vitamin E has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. Studies indicate that vitamin E performs these functions when applied topically. It is also photo-protectant, and it helps protect the cellular membrane from free radical damage. In addition, vitamin E serves as a preservative due to its ability to protect against oxidation. It has also proven to reduce transepidermal water loss (TWL), thereby improving the appearance of rough, dry, or damaged skin.
