If you're trying to keep your skin soft, strong, and glowing as you age, you've probably heard a lot about natural supplements. Among the buzziest? Vitamin E and flaxseed oil. These two are gaining attention in the anti-aging world — and not just because they're trendy, but because there's some legit science behind what they can do.
Let’s dive into how each one works — and why they might be worth adding to your daily routine.
Vitamin E: Your Skin’s Personal Bodyguard
Vitamin E is a fat-loving vitamin with some serious antioxidant skills. Basically, it protects your cells from damage caused by free radicals — unstable molecules that pop up thanks to things like UV rays, pollution, or even just normal metabolism (Shen et al., 2012). Over time, this kind of stress leads to wrinkles, dullness, and less bounce in your skin.
When taken as a supplement — or even applied topically — vitamin E helps your skin hold on to moisture and strengthens its outer layer. One study found that when combined with other antioxidants, vitamin E helped fade fine lines and sun spots (Coséra et al., 2015). It’s kind of like giving your skin a little shield against the outside world.
Flaxseed Oil: A Moisture-Locking, Soothing Superstar
Flaxseed oil is loaded with ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) — a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid that your skin absolutely loves. Omega-3s help build up the lipid layer of your skin (that’s the part that keeps water in and irritants out). So if your skin tends to get dry, flaky, or red, this stuff can help a lot (Kim et al., 2014).
In one study, women who took flaxseed oil daily for about three months saw smoother, more hydrated skin compared to those who didn’t (Barć et al., 2019). The oil also has natural lignans, which bring their own antioxidant perks. Together, these effects make it a handy tool for keeping skin comfy and youthful-looking.
The Magic of Using Both Together
Here’s where it gets cool — vitamin E and flaxseed oil don’t just work well on their own. When you combine them, they seem to complement each other’s strengths.
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Vitamin E tackles free radicals head-on.
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Flaxseed oil builds up your skin’s structure from the inside out.
Together, they help keep your skin better hydrated, more elastic, and less prone to irritation or early wrinkles.
Tips for Picking the Right Supplements
⚠️ Not all supplements are created equal. When shopping for vitamin E, look for natural versions labeled d-alpha-tocopherol — they absorb better than synthetic ones (Brigelius-Flohé & Traber, 1999).
And with flaxseed oil, cold-pressed is the gold standard. Make sure it's stored in a dark bottle (to protect it from light) and kept in a cool place to stop it from going rancid.
A Few Notes Before You Jump In
As helpful as these two are, they’re not a magic fix. Great skin still depends on the basics: drinking enough water, eating real food, using sunscreen, and moving your body. Also, it’s always wise to talk with your doctor before adding new supplements — especially if you’re taking medications or managing health issues.
Wrapping It Up
If you're into natural ways to stay radiant and strong as the years go by, vitamin E and flaxseed oil are a solid duo to have in your lineup. They help fight off the damage that ages us from the inside, while supporting hydration, smoothness, and overall skin wellness. With consistent use — and a little patience — these two can quietly work in the background, helping you glow through every season of life.
References
Barć, J., Gromadzka-Ostrowska, J., Romanowicz, L., Sadowska, J., & Krajewska, K. (2019). The influence of flaxseed oil supplementation on skin condition in women. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 18(1), 176-181. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12571
Brigelius-Flohé, R., & Traber, M. G. (1999). Vitamin E: function and metabolism. FASEB Journal, 13(10), 1145-1155. https://doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.13.10.1145
Coséra, T., Bouzari, M., & Agache, P. (2015). Antioxidant supplementation with vitamins E and C reduces photoaging parameters: A randomized controlled trial. Dermatologic Therapy, 28(5), 325-331. https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.12262
Kim, J. E., Jin, S. Y., & Lee, Y. G. (2014). Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the lipid composition of the skin and inflammatory markers. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27(4), 245-252. https://doi.org/10.1159/000358788
Shen, Y., Zhuang, Q., & Wang, G. (2012). Free radicals and their role in skin aging. International Journal of Dermatology, 51(2), 52-57. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-4632.2011.04930.x
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