There is no denying the summer sun feels amazing! But, it is not always kind to your skin, and after a day spent soaking up those rays, your skin can be left feeling dry and damaged. If you are like me, you are always looking for a natural way to restore it.
One of my favourite ways to help my skin bounce back after a day in the sun is by using vitamin E capsules. I know you were probably expecting me to say something like tea-soaked eucalyptus leaves, but no, plain ol’ vitamin E pills can help do the trick! This is because these little nutritional diamonds are not just great for your health, they are also little skincare heroes that can work wonders on sun-kissed skin!
In fact, one study found that Vitamin E reduced the severity of sunburn by as much as 40% when applied topically before UV exposure. Not to mention, Inge Theron, the founder of FaceGym, is a big fan of this method too. She uses super-potent vitamin E capsules to create a simple but powerful overnight moisturiser and aftersun treatment.
Naturally, me being me, I just loved how easy (and enticing) it sounded, so here we go.
But First, What Is The Deal With Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a bit of a wonder ingredient. It is a potent antioxidant, which means it helps protect your body from damage caused by things like pollution, stress, and sun exposure. It also gives your immune system a powerful boost, supports heart health, keeps your eyes in good shape, and may even help keep your brain sharp as you get older.
And when it comes to your skin, vitamin E is super soothing and hydrating. It locks in moisture, leaving your skin soft and smooth. And the reason you are reading this article? Yep, vitamin E is also stupendous for calming sunburn and strengthening your skin’s natural barrier (aka extra protection from everyday damage and harsh UV rays).
PLUS (because yes, there is more), with regular use, it can help fade scars, stretch marks, and even dark spots too! Whether you are popping a supplement or using it in your skincare routine, vitamin E is, without a doubt, definitely worth having on your side.
Let’s continue.
How To Use Vitamin E For Sun Recovery
Ok, the moment of truth. How can you incorporate vitamin E capsules into your daily life? The answer, vitamin E capsules are super easy to use! Here’s how I incorporate them into my day-to-day routine:
- Choose High-Potency Capsules: Try to look for a high-potency vitamin E capsule with a high IU (International Unit) count, as these are the most effective for skincare.
- Mix With A Light Cream: After a long day in the sun, I like to squeeze the liquid from a vitamin E capsule into my regular moisturising cream. Mixing them together creates a rich, powerful overnight treatment that works while you sleep. Since vitamin E is quite thick, using it at night also gives it plenty of time to fully absorb without being interrupted by sun exposure or pollution.
- Apply Generously: I typically apply this mixture generously to my face, neck, and any areas that have been exposed to the sun. If not, why not, right? Also, I do this because vitamin E actually does help you skin heal.
- ALWAYS Do A Patch Test First: If you have not used a vitamin E homemade mixture or pure vitamin E oil (if going that route) before, make sure to do a patch test first to ensure you do not have any sensitivity to it.
Why It Works So Well
What makes vitamin E so great is its ability to repair cell damage. And after spending time in the sun, your skin really does need a little extra TLC. Inge Theron puts it perfectly:
“Vitamin E is an all-in-one solution for skin that needs extra care, especially after sun exposure. It’s the perfect addition to your summer skincare routine to protect and repair.”
I could not agree more. Since I started using vitamin E capsules after a day in the sun, my skin feels so much more hydrated and I have noticed way less redness and dryness, too.
How Vitamin E Can Help You Fade Scarring Too
One unexpected but another amazing benefit using vitamin E offers is its ability to fade scars. I am sure most of us have realised that the sun often makes existing scars (both old scars and those from occasional breakouts) more visible. So, you may be overjoyed to know that multiple studies have shown that vitamin E can help reduce scar visibility when used consistently for at least 4 to 8 weeks (and onwards).
A Natural Boost For Summer Skin
Using vitamin E capsules on my skin during the summer has been a total game-changer. Simply because it is an easy and natural way to protect, repair, and hydrate your skin after a day in the sun, . Whether you want to fade scars, boost moisture, or protect your skin from the sun’s damage, vitamin E does it all.
So, next time you feel the effects of too much sun, skip the pricey after-sun lotions and grab a vitamin E capsule instead. It is affordable, multi-purpose, and leaves your skin soft, refreshed, and ready for more sunny days!