As we all know, vitamin E is good for your skin, but not many people can tell you exactly what this nutrient does ---
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects and repairs the skin.
Antioxidants are drugs that eliminate the oxidation of free radicals, which are molecules that destroy collagen and cause dry, fine lines and wrinkles in the skin [Source: Bouchez].
A simple chemistry lesson can explain how vitamin E does this.
The atoms that make up your body try to keep an even number of electrons-
That's why they have stabilized.
If the number of electrons in an atom is not uniform, it will steal an electron from another atom and make it stable.
When your skin is impacted by external factors, such as the ultraviolet rays of the sun, your body produces free radicals.
Free radicals are atoms with uneven amounts of electrons, and when they form in your body, they steal electrons from healthy cells, such as cells that make up your skin.
This can cause a damaging chain reaction, and this is where antioxidants like vitamin E enter [source: Rice].
Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and prevent cell damage.
Vitamin E is one of the most powerful antioxidants, but your body can't produce it, which means you have to make sure you get enough of this valuable nutrition in your diet.
Eating foods rich in vitamin E and taking vitamin E supplements can help prevent premature skin aging and DNA damage if you don't consume enough food [
Source: Phillips.
Studies have shown that taking vitamin E for a long time can even reduce sunburn exposed to UV radiation.
This does not mean that taking vitamins or applying vitamin E locally can allow you to bake safely in the sun, however, by making sure you get enough antioxidant vitamins, you can help keep your skin healthier and softer [Source: Bouchez].
Read on to find out which foods are rich in vitamin E and how to incorporate them into your diet.
