Everything you need to know about Vitamin E

• The Body Shop’s new Vitamin E Quench Sheet Mask is an elixir for dry skin

Skincare pundits the world over are raving about the latest trend in the beauty industry - vitamin-filled products or Vitamin E-infused products to be more specific. So here we break down all you need to know about the naturally occurring oxidant: the benefits, inner workings and why we really need to be giving our skins more of it.

 

Keeps skin hydrated and moisturised

In addition to numerous other benefits, Vitamin E is best recognised for its hydrating properties, where research has proven that the topical application of the vitamin helps skin hold on to water, a key factor for soft, healthy and resilient skin. But is this just another beauty obsession that holds no water?

Vitamin E lives in and protects cell membranes, which form a barrier around cells to keep them healthy and hydrated, and as a result, moisturised and supple as well. Vitamin E is also a fat-soluble ingredient, in that it is able to penetrate deep into your skin and preserve the lipids (fats) in your face, while soothing and healing your skin barrier at the same time.

So if, as a result of any inflammation or irritation, there are cracks in your skin barrier, Vitamin E has the properties to close these cracks and prevent moisture from escaping, keeping your skin hydrated and firm. 

 

Prevent signs of aging and helps reduce appearance of scars

Our increasingly urban lifestyles have us exposed to many assaults on our skin - namely UV light, pollution, stress, smoke and on-the-go foods - all of which tend to produce free radicals that damage the skin’s support structure (collagen), DNA and skin cells. As a result, we have become even more prone to wrinkles and brown spots. Free radicals also make it harder for scars to heal.

Vitamin E fights these effects by neutralising the free radicals that make us vulnerable to the signs of aging. But our natural store of the vitamin is easily depleted in this battle to protect the skin, highlighting just how crucial it is that we replenish this vital nutrient. 

Reduces sun damage and fights inflammation

Products containing Vitamin E have been proven to help curb UV ray-induced damage by rendering free radicals harmless before they can actually damage cells.

Vitamin E, when applied topically, will not merely decrease DNA damage but can also lessen the redness and swelling of a burn. Along with being an effective antioxidant, Vitamin E also fights inflammation, giving significant relief to those suffering from itchy and irritated skin.

Naturally, both literally and figuratively, The Body Shop has just the answer for all of your Vitamin E hydration needs. The beauty giant’s new fully vegetarian Vitamin E Quench Sheet Mask is the latest addition to the brand’s popular Vitamin E range family, and can satisfy dry skin in just 15 minutes, with results that visibly hydrate, soften and protect.

The biodegradable Vitamin E Quench Sheet Mask is formulated with the richest sources of Vitamin E, Wheatgerm Oil and Hyaluronic Acid, a triple-barrelled formula boosted with the hydrating and moisture lock-in properties of entirely natural hyaluronic Acid bio-fermented with the nourishing traits of Wheatgerm, and of course the anti-oxidant effects of Vitamin E. 

An additional fact is that bio-fermented hyaluronic acid is able to hold hundred times its own weight in water and provides continuous skin moisture throughout the day.

The Vitamin E Quench Sheet Mask works best when used one-two times a week, following a refreshing face and neck cleanse with the Vitamin E Gentle Facial Wash, and preceding a light slather of the Vitamin E Moisture Cream.

If you are all about a good bask in a mask, The Body Shop has an effective range of options for every skin type and skin mood.

For oily and combination skin types, The Body Shop’s Seaweed Balance Sheet Mask - fortified with mineral-rich seaweed from Roaringwater Bay Ireland - will have your skin feeling hydrated, mattified and refreshed.

For sensitised skin, The Body Shop’s Aloe Calm Sheet Mask - enriched with pure, hand-filleted aloe from Campeche, Mexico - is certain to settle, soothe and relieve irritated skin.

The Body Shop’s Vitamin C Glow Sheet Mask for grumpy skin - enhanced with the Vitamin C-rich camu camu berry from the Amazonian Rainforests of Peru - instantaneously energises and hydrates, leaving skin with a markedly radiant glow.

The Body Shop’s new Vitamin E Quench Sheet Mask and other products are available at The Body Shop’s flagship store on Bagatale Road, Odel in Alexandra Place, the Kandy City Centre and their newest store at the Colombo City Centre.