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Can Vitamin E Cause Acne?

Vitamin E does NOT cause acne.

More Info: Deficiency of vitamin E in the body can lead to serious disease. Vitamin E is a fat-soluable vitamin that functions as an antioxidant. It helps to reduce the damage caused by free radicals in the body that can cause cell and tissue damage. This antioxidant protection helps prevent acne. Vitamin E promotes a healthy immune system and protects the nerves, lungs and heart from oxidative damage.

Vitamin E Helps Fight Acne 

Acne is caused by excessive oil production called sebum. Stress, hormones, genetics, humidity and environmental pollutants are some of the things that can cause an acne outbreak. The antioxidant properties of Vitamin E help the body to rid itself of hazardous free radicals in the body. This lowers the chances of an acne outbreak. Vitamin E also helps regulate retinol or vitamin A, in the body. Retinol is essential for healthy skin. When retinol levels decline, vitamin E restores vitamin A to normal levels, which prevent oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids in the cells. Vitamin E protects skin against these toxic effects. A study at the Jordan University of Science and Technology, School of Medicine, found that patients with severe acne had significantly lower levels of vitamins A and E than those with lower acne levels. They concluded that low vitamin A and E levels had an important role in the development and aggravation of acne.

Sources of Vitamin E 

Vitamin E can be found in vegetable oils, unprocessed cereal grains, nuts and seeds. The main form of vitamin E, alpha-tocopherol, can also be found in supplements.