The Epitome of Antioxidants Against UV Photodamage: Vitamin E Use in Skin Protection

Abstract

Since its discovery, there has been ongoing discourse regarding the physiological significance and therapeutic potential of vitamin E, particularly in combating cell damage caused by free radicals. As a prominent antioxidant in the body, vitamin E plays a crucial role in reducing lipid peroxidation within cell membranes, making it a focal point for researchers in dermatology. The unique cellular functions of vitamin E have been linked to its antitumorigenic and photoprotective properties, garnering attention for its potential efficacy in addressing UV-related skin conditions. This literature review aims to illuminate the efficacy of vitamin E, spanning its topical applications to oral supplementation for the protection against photodamage, through an examination of past research in dermatology. A comprehensive analysis of 44 studies from the PubMed database and ScienceDirect, spanning from 1990 to 2022 and references up to 2024, was conducted to gather insights from clinical trials and investigations focusing on potential therapeutic uses of vitamin E in managing UV-induced skin disorders. This review article includes a diverse range of studies-such as experimental research, randomized controlled trials, clinical studies, and double-blind trials-to comprehensively examine the wide-ranging effects of Vitamin E in protecting against UV-induced photodamage. This includes photodamage, nonmelanoma skin cancer, radiodermatitis, and age-related skin changes.