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Is Vitamin E Good for Your Skin?

Vitamin E IS good for your skin.

More Info: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects and repairs your skin. 

How Antioxidants Protect the Skin 

According to the National Institute of Health, antioxidants protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. A free radical is a molecule that contains an unshared electron, which causes it to be unstable. Because of this, when a free radical forms inside your body it steals electrons from healthy cells like the ones that make up your skin. Cigarette smoke, air pollution and the sun's ultraviolet rays are all examples of free radicals that can damage skin cells. The damage to the collagen shows up as dryness, fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin E Is an Antioxidant

Vitamin E is a very powerful antioxidant that can ease some of these damaging effects. Your body, however, can't make vitamin E on its own, so you have to make sure you are getting enough vitamin E through your diet. According to scientists at Ohio State University, foods rich in vitamin E include sweet potatoes, almonds, walnuts, avocados, mangoes and peanuts. Oils, like wheat germ oil, are also rich in vitamin E. On fact, one tablespoon of wheat germ oil will give you more than 100% of your vitamin E allowance. Individuals who eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes these foods rarely need supplemental vitamin E.