Battling sunburn is one of the worst parts of summertime. Dealing with red skin and the inevitable pain (and health risks) that come with it is no fun, but one study has shown that applying Vitamin E to the skin after sun exposure can help reduce the changes to cells damaged by the sun.
Another study from the Yale School of Medicine also found that UV damage to skin can last for several hours after exposure to sunlight, but lead researcher Douglas Brush found that vitamin E helped cells repair themselves.
But that doesn’t mean you can scorch in the sun all day. While Vitamin E may help reduce the damage, it’s not a cure-all and should never replace SPF.
“Vitamin E may be effective if you can get it to the skin where it’s needed, but we don’t know if it actually works,” Brush told HuffPost. “It’s not a panacea.”
According to Oskia Skincare, “When applied to the skin, vitamin E has been shown to reduce erythema, sunburn cells, chronic UV-B-induced skin damage, and photocarcinogenesis. However, it is important to note that vitamin E itself does not have sunscreen properties.”
According to Dr Dara Sweet, medical director and cosmetic physician at The Wells, there is no treatment that can completely prepare your skin for safe sun exposure. “The best advice is to limit your sun exposure, use sunscreen, wear a hat and stay in the shade when possible,” says Dr Sweet.
So while it’s essential to remain vigilant, investing in Vitamin E-enriched products to help protect against sunburn could be a game changer.
The best after-sun formula with Vitamin E
Utilizing the most natural ingredients, this cooling gel formula is 95% Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. The cooling sensation provides immediate pain relief in the short term, while the nourishing ingredients provide lasting damage prevention in the long term.
Piz Buin is a tried-and-true sunscreen brand that’s found in many bathroom cupboards, and for good reason: their after-sun lotion is enriched with nourishing Shea Butter, Vitamin E, and Tanimel, a tan-enhancing plant extract.
You don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune to reap the benefits of Vitamin E. This aftersun also contains aloe vera for extra soothing and relief after sunburn.
This velvety, milky formula is perfect for nourishing post-sun skin. Enriched with Vitamin E, Almond Oil and Aloe Vera, apply a generous amount of After Sun to skin for maximum relief.
6 Sunscreens Rich in Vitamin E
COSRX sunscreen provides powerful SPF 50+ protection against UV rays in a non-drying formula, plus it’s infused with Vitamin E to help protect against environmental aggressors.
For daily protection, try This Works, whose on-the-go skin defense has SPF 30 and contains soothing Vitamin E, Bio Boost antioxidant blend, and hyaluronic acid for anti-aging and hydrating benefits.
This oil-free, lightweight sunscreen is versatile and suitable for all skin types. Enriched with Vitamin E, it helps protect against UVB rays and pollution.
Beauty of Joseon is one of TikTok’s favorite K-beauty brands, and it’s easy to see why. The brand’s rice-based sunscreen is vitamin-packed, including vitamins B, C, and E, as well as amino acids. It offers SPF 50+ protection, yet somehow doesn’t leave a white cast. Not to mention it leaves your skin with an enviable glow.
If ever there was a sunscreen that harnessed the full power of vitamins, it’d be this one. This Murad sunscreen utilizes Vitamin CF, which all work together to help your skin fight free radicals, and it’s packed with other skin-loving ingredients, like omega-packed chia seeds.
If you have sensitive skin, you can’t go wrong with E45 products, and their sunscreen is no exception. With the essentials of SPF 30 and Vitamin E, it’s an ultra-hydrating, non-greasy base.
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