Vitamin E – can it reverse aging?
For the past decade there has been a lot of buzz about Vitamin E and its anti aging effects. Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin and is a potent anti-oxidant. Both natural and synthetic forms of vitamin E are sold in health and food stores. The natural vitamin E is usually labeled with the letter “d” whereas the synthetic forms is labeled “di”.
For the past decade there has been a lot of buzz about Vitamin E and its anti aging effects oxidative damage is suspected. As such, vitamin E deficiency is very rare in clinical medicine unless the individual has difficulty with fat absorption. Thus, advocating of vitamin E as a supplement is questionable. Nevertheless there is ongoing research to determine if vitamin E has any benefit in patents with cancer and heart disease.
In recent years, vitamin E has been widely advocated as an anti aging supplement. It is used in many skin care and cosmetic products and also sold as a supplementary pill. Vitamin E based formulations are very popular in herbal stores, spas and often marketed as a “super nutrient”.
Health spas, dermatologist and beauticians swear that Vitamin E containing products when used regularly can make you look young, beautiful and radiant. Besides functioning as an emollient, the vitamin E is said to reverse signs of aging on the skin. Vitamin E products are now sold in shampoos, moisturizers, creams, lotions, hair care, face mask, stretch mark creams and hand lotions. The question is “Can one single substance have so much power or is it simply media hype?”
There is no doubt that vitamin E is a potent anti oxidant and has been shown in the laboratory to decrease tissue loss from aging. Others have shown that regular use of vitamin E creams and lotions can reduce the fine lines and minor skin imperfections. But these results are not seen in all individuals. Why vitamin E works in some individuals and not others is not understood.
Most health care workers do not recommend eating extra vitamin E supplements in a form of a pill. Foods that are high in vitamin E include green leafy vegetables, egg yolk, peanut butter, avocado and some oils.
At the moment the evidence pointing to the anti aging effects of vitamin E is either lacking or not strong enough. Aging is a complex process and it is doubtful if one single vitamin alone can reverse aging. While the vitamin may have anti-aging benefits, perhaps other chemicals or ingredients must also be present to obtain the maximum cosmetic benefit!
For those who want to try out vitamin E to improve their skin or diet, the best recommendation are to eat the above foods rather than take a pill. When it comes to skincare, read the label and determine if the cream has natural ingredients plus vitamin E. The only sure way to determine if Vitamin E can reverse your wrinkles is to try it. If the product is going to work, it may take anywhere from 3-6 months. In any case, discuss your skincare with a reputable dermatologist and perhaps you may get lucky with Vitamin E and experience its anti-aging properties.
