Benefits
Works with
When to use
Caution
Dermatologist science score 
What is vitamin E or tocopherol?
Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble compounds with strong antioxidant properties. It is essential for protecting cells from oxidative damage, maintaining skin health, & supporting immune function.
In skincare, vitamin E is often found in creams, serums, and oils, helping to moisturize the skin, reduce inflammation & protect it from UV-induced damage. It also aids in wound healing and can reduce the appearance of scars and pigmentation including melasma & post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
What can vitamin E do for my skin?
VItamin E has 3 main roles in the skin-
- Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant. It helps protect skin cells from oxidative stress and environmental damage, such as from UV exposure & pollution.
- It also supports skin hydration by reinforcing the skin barrier and can aid in healing and reducing inflammation. Vitamin E’s moisturizing properties make it beneficial for dry and damaged skin, while its ability to neutralize free radicals helps prevent signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.
- Additionally, it can reduce scars, melasma & hyperpigmentation. Vitamin E inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which plays a key role in melanin production. Additionally, vitamin E works synergistically with other ingredients like vitamin C to enhance its skin-brightening effects. Its ability to soothe and heal skin can further reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Why use vitamin E to treat hyperpigmentation & melasma?
Hyperpigmentation including melasma & post inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs when melanin is overproduced in certain areas of the skin. Oxidation also plays a role in melanin production. Vitamin E application has been shown to reduce melanin production by reducing oxidative stress on cell membranes, however it is a very weak pigment corrector.
How long does vitamin E take to lighten melasma pigmentation?
You will notice very little change in melasma pigmentation if you use vitamin E as a standalone product. Tocopherol is best combined with more effective ingredients such as vitamin C, arbutin, azelaic acid, ferulic acid & niacinamide, in addition to a tailored laser or peel program for your melasma.
Does vitamin E work on all forms of skin pigmentation?
Vitamin E only works for superficial melasma & pigmentation. Dermal melasma is resistant to treatment. As emphasized, vitamin E should be combined with other pigment inhibitors, antioxidants & lasers for best results.
What is better- vitamin E or vitamin C?
Vitamin C works a lot better than vitamin E for pigment, however the former has more side effects. In summary-
Pigment corrector |
Maximal use |
Side effects |
Pigment reduction capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Infinite | Skin irritation | Higher |
| Vitamin E | Infinite | Nil | Very low |
Vitamin E is always combined with vitamin C & often with ferulic acid.
When do we introduce vitamin E into your melasma program?
We introduce vitamin E at the end of your melasma program, as vitamin C, E & ferulic acid can interact with chemical peels & other topicals, including medical therapy.
Antioxidants can also be taken orally (vitamin C over E). For resistant dermal melasma we may initiate your supplementation early in the course of treatment.
Can I use Vitamin E serum everyday?
Vitamin E serum is typically applied once a day. Cleanse, apply vitamin C+ E+ ferulic acid serum, then follow up with a SPF 50+ sunscreen.
Applied in the morning vitamin C, E & ferulic acts as an antioxidant, protecting your skin against UV rays.
Applied in the evening, ascorbic acid works by decreasing pigment production & aids in improving skin tone by building new collagen.
How should I commence ascorbic acid & vitamin E?
L-ascorbic acid formulations are in the pH region of 2.5 to 3.0. This acidity enhances the potency of ascorbic acid, at the expense of skin irritation as this is more acidic than the skin’s normal pH.
Start at a low to medium concentration of L-ascorbic acid, namely 10-15%, in combination with vitamin E & ferulic acid. Start every second day, increase as tolerated.
Can I use retinol & vitamin E together?
Yes. Vitamin E is a banal formulation (stand-alone, not combined with ascorbic acid). Most patients will not have a reaction to combination therapy, however if you are trying to solve melasma pigmentation, vitamin E & retinol (in combination) has a very low efficacy rate. Better pigment correctors include-
- Arbutin
- Azelaic acid
- Kojic acid
- Cysteamine
- Ascorbic acid
- Niacinamide
*Vitamin E can be combined with any of the above as it pairs well with everything.
What Vitamin E serum is the most effective?
Formulations matter, & picking the optimal serum for your skin type is not as easy as recommending one product. At The Melasma Clinic we recommend high end brands such as CE Ferulic acid by Skinceuticals, acknowledging that cheap brands found in supermarket stores can also be good.
How do I incorporate tocopherol/ vitamin E in my daily routine?
AM: Gentle cleanser, then CE ferulic acid serum to face & neck, SPF
Midday: SPF
PM: Cleanser, pigment corrector of choice (HQ, arbutin, kojic acid, botanicals, azelaic acid).
*For effective pigment solutions, lasers & chemical peels will give far superior results, as compared to antioxidant skin care products.
What is the oral dose of tocopherol/ vitamin E as a supplement?
The recommended daily dose of vitamin E varies based on age, sex, and health needs. For adults, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 15 mg (22.4 IU) of alpha-tocopherol, which is the active form of vitamin E. For those taking vitamin E supplements, doses can range from 100 to 400 IU per day, depending on individual requirements. Higher doses might be prescribed for specific health conditions, but it is important not to exceed 1,000 mg (1,500 IU) per day, as excessive intake can lead to side effects such as bleeding during surgery.
A SummaryDavin’s viewpoint on vitamin E for melasma & pigmentation
Dr Davin Lim | Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic, Brisbane | Sydney
The real value of vitamin E is its antioxidant benefits which helps skin in several ways. It helps neutralize free radicals, which can prevent oxidative stress and slow down the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. It also promotes skin healing, particularly in cases of scarring or sunburn, and strengthens the skin’s barrier to retain moisture, making it an effective ingredient for dry skin. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe irritated or sensitive skin, helping reduce redness and improve overall skin texture.
