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Handbook of diet, nutrition and the skin pp 144–163Cite as

Vitamin E chemistry, biological activity and benefits on the skin

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Part of the Human Health Handbooks no. 1 book series (HHH,volume 2)

Abstract

Vitamin E is the most important fat-soluble antioxidant especially applied in the animal nutrition. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects on the skin it is contained in many cosmetic products. In fact, if topically applied, vitamin E deactives unstable free radicals providing one of its electrons to the electron deficient free radical making it more stable. As a result, it protects the skin from deleterious effects due to its exposure to exogenous toxic agents such as pollulants, chemicals and sun rays, preventing the propagation of free-radicals. Although, mainly acting as an antioxidant, vitamin E can also exert a pro-oxidant activity. Vitamin E also regulates the functions of vitamin A in the body. This is fundamental because vitamin A itself is a dominant vitamin for skin care.

Keywords

  • tocopherol
  • tocotrienol
  • antioxidant
  • fatty acid
  • pro-oxidation
  • health care

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Abbreviations

1H-NMR:

Protonic nuclear magnetic resonance

13C-NMR:

Carbon nuclear magnetic resonance

FT-IR:

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

GC/MS:

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

IU:

International unit

LDL:

Low-density lipoprotein

PKC:

Protein kinase C

PUFA:

Polyunsaturated fatty acid

RDA:

Recommended daily allowance

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

TTP:

Tristetraprolin

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  1. Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Calabria, Edificio Polifunzionale, Via Pietro Bucci, 87036, Arcavacata di, Rende (CS), Italy

    R. Cassano

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    Cassano, R. (2012). Vitamin E chemistry, biological activity and benefits on the skin. In: Preedy, V.R. (eds) Handbook of diet, nutrition and the skin. Human Health Handbooks no. 1, vol 2. Wageningen Academic Publishers. https://doi.org/10.3920/978-90-8686-729-5_9

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