Vitamin E
The central role of vitamin E acetate is as an in vivo antioxidant. There is considerable evidence that topically applied vitamin E plays a critical role in protecting body cells and tissues from damage caused by the free radicals generated by natural body processes and environmental stresses.
Topical application is extremely important, because only low levels of vitamin E are present in the epidermis and dermis. Vitamin E is depleted by UV light and ozone. Its most important attributes are that it:
- Moisturizes skin from within
- Cumulatively enhances skin smoothness
- Soothes and aids in tissue repair (wound healing)
- Protects skin from environmental stress
- Helps block lipid peroxidation (which can cause cell membrane damage) through its in vivo antioxidant function
- Lowers erythema (redness), edema and skin sensitivity following UVB exposure